U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear that the final decision on administrative staff cuts will rest with respective ministries.

Trump’s remarks came during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday where tensions reportedly flared between ministers and Elon Musk.

According to various media sources Trump stated that Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) will now act only as an advisory body. During the meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced criticism for failing to reduce enough staff in his ministry, prompting Musk to comment that Rubio “belongs on television.”

Musk also clashed with Transport Minister Sean Duffy during the same session. As the situation escalated, Trump intervened, affirming that ministries hold the ultimate authority on staff cuts, while Musk’s D.O.G.E would only provide guidance.

In a social media post, Trump reiterated this stance. Although media reports suggested heated exchanges in the meeting, Trump later denied any such incidents, claiming the situation was exaggerated.

A State Department spokesperson told The New York Times that Secretary Rubio believed meeting was open and productive. White House declined to comment further when approached by BBC.

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Speculation now surrounds the relationship between Trump and Musk with some suggesting their strong partnership may be showing signs of strain.