WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent decisions unveiled on Friday shed light on the disruptions facing federal agencies in the aftermath of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s campaign to overhaul how the government operates. These changes, both major and minor, indicate attempts to increase political oversight over agencies that traditionally functioned with some independence. For instance, Environmental Protection Agency officials now need approval from the Department of Government Efficiency for contracts exceeding $50,000.
Some directives have added pressure on federal employees, who have already faced challenges like insults, layoffs, and threats from top officials. One notable change was the modification of government credit cards issued to Pentagon civilian workers, now restricted to a $1 limit, hindering their ability to travel for work.
The Transportation Security Administration has also been affected, with the cancelation of a collective bargaining agreement for 47,000 workers, potentially paving the way for job cuts or privatization.
While these developments represent only a fraction of the overall upheaval under the current administration, they have considerable implications for public servants, reshaping how they carry out their duties and potentially leading to long-lasting effects. This ongoing transformation is far more intense than the typical transition between administrations, prompting fundamental questions about the future functioning of the government under a president who views civil servants as hurdles to his agenda.
The White House has been grappling with backlash over Musk’s involvement and legal hurdles attempting to impede his initiatives. Some Republicans, facing pressure in town hall meetings, have begun to voice concerns about Musk’s approach.
The government’s restructuring is progressing rapidly, a culmination of years of groundwork by Trump’s allies and Musk’s newfound influence. Despite acknowledging future missteps, Musk remains determined to streamline spending and reduce the workforce.
Further significant changes are expected in the coming weeks and months. Trump has instructed agencies to draft plans for potential layoffs, which could result in limited operations at key service-providing agencies. The Department of Veterans Affairs may see a reduction of 80,000 employees, while plans are underway at the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration to cut their staff in half.
Although Trump has pledged to preserve Social Security benefits, Democrats fear that layoffs could disrupt payments to millions of beneficiaries. There are also apprehensions about political interference in Social Security operations, given the administration’s disputes over various issues.
Maine Democratic Governor Janet Mills and her administration recently announced that children born in the state will no longer be assigned a Social Security number at birth. Instead, parents will now have to apply for one at a local office. The acting commissioner of Social Security, Leland Dudek, rescinded this order on Friday, acknowledging that it had placed an unnecessary burden on the people of Maine, which was not the intended outcome. Dudek stated, “As a leader, I take responsibility for my mistakes and will rectify them.”
Despite ongoing confusion regarding Elon Musk’s authority within the Trump administration, recent statements and legal filings have emphasized that Musk does not officially oversee DOGE or have direct control over budgets. However, President Trump has contradicted these claims by asserting that Elon Musk leads DOGE during a televised speech to Congress and suggesting that Musk will make budget cuts if agency leaders fail to do so.
The administration’s dynamic approach has garnered praise from individuals like David Sacks, a venture capitalist advising Trump on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, who commended their swift action. Reports of tensions between Musk and Cabinet officials, notably Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were denied by Trump during a meeting, stating that Musk and Rubio have a positive relationship. However, Norm Eisen from the State Democracy Defenders Fund raised concerns over Musk’s role, asserting that his advisory position lacks proper approval and documentation.
Executive orders issued by Trump have driven significant changes in Washington, including directives for agencies to revamp payment systems for better oversight by DOGE representatives. The EPA issued guidance requiring approval from an EPA DOGE team member for transactions valued at $50,000 or more. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse voiced apprehensions about Musk’s unvetted team influencing agency decisions.
Critics have accused Republicans of avoiding town hall meetings with constituents following protests outside Representative Huizenga’s office in Michigan. Protesters demanded accountability from elected officials, questioning Musk’s ability to dismantle agencies without proper understanding. While efficiency in government operations is important, some residents like Linda Visscher are wary of drastic changes without careful consideration.
This report was contributed to by reporters Lolita Baldor, Matthew Daly, Fatima Hussein, and Matthew Lee in Washington; Joey Cappelletti in Holland, Michigan; and Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine from the Associated Press.
