The Trump administration continues to move forward with the restructuring of government agencies, but a recent confrontation between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and tech mogul Elon Musk has highlighted tensions within the presidential cabinet.
The dispute, which took place during a meeting at the White House, arose from the cuts pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk. According to reports, Musk criticized Rubio’s management, accusing him of not having sufficiently reduced the staff of the State Department after the dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
After tensions in the last cabinet meeting, Marco Rubio tries to mend things with Elon Musk
Despite the altercation, Rubio tried to smooth the situation with a post on X, in which he thanked DOGE and its staff for their work in restructuring USAID. “Thanks to DOGE and our hardworking staff who put in many hours to achieve this historic and long-awaited reform,” expressed the Secretary of State.
Musk, in an apparent display of reconciliation, responded with a conciliatory message: “It’s tough, but necessary. It was a pleasure working with you.” However, tension between the two officials remains palpable. Sources close to the cabinet indicate that Rubio and other secretaries have expressed their frustration with Musk’s aggressive strategy, who has been instrumental in the dismantling of USAID.
The elimination of over 80% of foreign aid programs and the transfer of the remaining ones to the Department of State have been controversial measures, generating criticism both within and outside the government. President Donald Trump, for his part, tried to downplay the rumors of conflict.
Trump tries to put out the fire between Elon Musk and Marco Rubio
On his Truth Social network, Trump stated: “Elon and Marco have a great relationship. Any statement other than that is fake news!”. In addition, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump dined with both of them over the weekend to strengthen unity within the cabinet.
Meanwhile, at least four lawsuits have been filed against the dissolution of USAID, which could further complicate the implementation of the cuts. Despite Rubio’s efforts to move past the altercation with Musk, differences within the Trump administration regarding government reorganization remain a hot topic of debate.