• Trump denies reports of a conflict between Musk and Rubio during a cabinet meeting over staff cuts.
• Musk blames Rubio for insufficient layoffs at the State Department, amidst efforts to streamline government.
• Trump emphasizes a collaborative approach, stating cuts will be made with a "scalpel, not a hatchet."
• Senator Rick Scott asserts Musk lacks the authority to fire government employees, reaffirming the power of agency heads.
• Despite reported tensions, Trump maintains that Musk and Rubio share a "great relationship."

President Donald Trump has publicly downplayed reports of a heated exchange between billionaire Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a recent cabinet meeting, describing them as "fake news." Trump stated, "Any statement other than that is fake news!!!" following allegations that Musk criticized Rubio for not adequately downsizing the State Department's workforce. This exchange occurred as part of ongoing discussions about government cost-cutting measures initiated by Musk, who heads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

According to BBC and HuffPost, tensions rose between Musk and top officials, including accusations that Musk was overstepping his advisory role. The billionaire's aggressive drive to cut costs has led to significant layoffs, prompting some Republican lawmakers to express concern about his authority.

At the cabinet meeting, Musk reportedly admonished Rubio for his handling of staff cuts, suggesting the Secretary had fired "nobody" within his first 45 days. Rubio countered that over 1,500 State Department officials accepted early retirement, sarcastically questioning whether Musk expected them to be rehired just to be dismissed again. Trump intervened in this heated exchange, reiterating support for both figures while reminding cabinet members that cuts should be made under their leadership with DOGE providing assistance.

In response to growing concerns regarding Musk's sweeping power, Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) clarified on CNN that, while Musk possesses influential control over DOGE, he does not have the authority to fire government employees. Scott emphasized that the president, alongside the agency heads, retains the ultimate decision-making power regarding personnel.

This cabinet meeting showcased a pivotal moment for the Trump administration, as it seeks to balance aggressive cost-cutting initiatives with maintaining operational stability within federal agencies. Trump's insistence on a collaborative approach indicates a strategic shift towards empowering cabinet members amid rising scrutiny of Musk's methods. Despite recent clashes, both Trump and Musk have expressed a desire to work cohesively towards reducing government inefficiencies while navigating political and legislative challenges.

For further details, you can access the original articles from SCMP, India Times, and BBC.