President Donald Trump is doubling down on his effort to shrink the federal workforce—this time with billionaire Elon Musk by his side.
On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order to slash hiring and force agencies to eliminate or merge departments that aren’t legally required.
The plan allows for only one federal worker to be hired for every four who leave, with exceptions for immigration, law enforcement, and public safety positions.
Musk, who is leading Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a position that has not been approved by Congress—stood alongside the president in the Oval Office, calling the federal workforce an “unelected” fourth branch of government.
“The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what the people are going to get,” said Musk.
Critics warn that the move could cripple essential government functions, worsening delays in processing Social Security claims, veterans‘ benefits, and other public services. With many departments already strained from past hiring freezes, opponents argue that further cuts could significantly impact everyday Americans.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
