President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have jointly initiated a dramatic reshaping of the federal workforce, resulting in sweeping job cuts across multiple agencies. This unprecedented action has seen over 20,000 federal employees, primarily those who were new hires, lose their jobs. What's more, Trump has taken the opportunity to temporarily replace the iconic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, sparking public intrigue.
The layoffs stem from Trump’s campaign to reduce the size of the federal workforce, currently numbering around 2.3 million. The cuts have primarily targeted newer employees who possess less job protection, with around 75,000 workers opting for buyouts, according to the administration. The exact total number of layoffs has yet to be released, but among the most affected entities are the Defense Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Last week, the Pentagon confirmed it would cut 5,400 jobs, whilst the IRS began firing 6,700 employees—many brought on board under the previous administration as part of efforts to close loopholes exploited by wealthy taxpayers. Critics argue such measures are counterproductive and contribute to lower oversight of ordinary Americans.
The Department of Agriculture has also seen significant layoffs, with reports of 3,400 employees, primarily from the U.S. Forest Service. There were notable shifts at the Department of Health and Human Services, which revealed it had let go about 5,200 staff members, including nearly 1,300 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite warnings from various congress members about the potential fallout from these cuts, Trump remains steadfast.
Beyond the reshuffling of workforce dynamics, the White House made headlines for replacing the Resolute Desk. The decision followed criticism about cleanliness issues, especially after Musk's young son, X Æ A-Xii, attracted media attention for his antics during a press event. Trump took to social media to announce, “A President, after the election, gets a choice of 1 in 7 desks. This desk, the 'C&O,' which is also very well known and was used by President George H.W. Bush and others, has been temporarily installed... This is a beautiful, but temporary replacement!” The move to change the desk raised eyebrows, sparking questions about the necessity behind such measures.
Musk's unexpected involvement has become emblematic of the unusual alliance between the tech mogul and the sitting president. While aboard Air Force One, Trump commented with apparent jest about Musk checking the storied Fort Knox to “make sure the gold is still there,” illustrating their continuous banter surrounding public finance and accountability. Potentially serious undertones emerge, though, as Musk has previously expressed concerns about budget cuts, leading many to wonder how their partnership will evolve amid these growing challenges.
The backdrop of tumultuous workplace changes has some political analysts asserting these changes reveal the Trump administration’s broader strategy to upend the federal government. Some agencies are reporting high turnover rates, which could disrupt continuity across federal services and initiatives.
The relationship between Trump and Musk seems to oscillate between playful collaboration and challenging scrutiny. Perhaps the most highlighted moments came when Musk’s son joined the president for discussions about the Department of Government Efficiency, where the child’s playful antics captured national attention. Trump described the toddler, stating, "This is X, and he's a great guy—a high IQ individual," showcasing his attempt to leverage Musk's popular image through personal anecdotes.
Despite the challenges and sheer scope of changes, both Trump and Musk project confidence heading forward. The coming months will likely reveal the durability of their collaboration and its impact not only on policy but on the nuanced relationship between public perception and executive action.
With massive layoffs and unusual publicity stunts, this new chapter of government partnership will surely continue to intrigue and evoke discussions among lawmakers, commentators, and the public alike.