Workers at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) grew anxious about possible job cuts following a public dispute between their leaders, according to The Wall Street Journal. The department, which underwent significant workforce reductions and department closures after Donald Trump's election win under Ilon Musk's direction, now faces uncertainty as tensions between top officials escalate.
When the June 5 confrontation between the president and business leaders peaked, DOGE staff began speculating about potential layoffs in workplace discussions. The agency's close ties to Musk pose particular concerns, with both the entrepreneur and his key deputy Steve Davis stepping away, leaving a leadership void. Many DOGE employees previously worked at Musk's companies - some may resign voluntarily, while others fear their contracts won't be renewed, the WSJ reports.
While the White House continues to publicly endorse DOGE's operations, the agency's long-term prospects remain uncertain. Republican support remains firmly behind Trump, with growing criticism toward Musk for failing to meet ambitious promises, the newspaper notes.
Musk had pledged during the election that DOGE would cut federal expenditures by $2 trillion minimum. The department currently claims $180 billion in savings under his leadership, though this figure lacks independent verification.