Sat Mar 08 05:07:46 UTC 2025: ## White House Cabinet Meeting Erupts in Musk-Rubio Clash Over Federal Workforce Cuts

**Washington D.C.** – Tensions flared during a recent White House Cabinet meeting as billionaire advisor Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a heated exchange over Musk’s aggressive federal workforce reduction plan, according to a report in *The New York Times*. The clash, witnessed by President Trump and approximately 20 Cabinet members, centered on Musk’s sweeping cuts, including the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Rubio criticized Musk for the lack of consideration shown to 1,500 State Department officials who accepted early retirement buyouts, questioning whether the dismissals were merely a show. Musk, reportedly dressed in a suit and tie—a departure from his usual attire—defended his actions, citing his success in leading billion-dollar companies. Further conflict arose with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who expressed concern over potential air traffic controller layoffs amid a rise in plane crashes, a claim Musk attributed to the presence of employees hired under diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Secretary of Veteran Affairs Doug Collins added to the criticism, highlighting the negative impact of Musk’s cuts on thousands of veterans, a key demographic within the Trump base.

Following the contentious debate, President Trump intervened, praising both Rubio and Musk for their work. However, he also announced a shift in strategy, stating that Cabinet secretaries would now lead the federal workforce reduction efforts, with Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency relegated to an advisory role. In a subsequent social media post, Trump declared that future cuts would be implemented with a “scalpel, not a hatchet,” signaling a potential course correction in Musk’s approach.

While Musk later described the meeting as “very productive” on X (formerly Twitter), President Trump directly refuted *The New York Times’* report during a Friday press briefing in the Oval Office, claiming no clash occurred and praising both Rubio and Musk for their performance.

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