Agencies WASHINGTON

In his latest bid to slash government spending, US President Donald Trump has directed government agencies across the country to work with his ‘First Buddy’ and billionaire Elon Musk to cut their workforce, news agency Bloomberg reported.

According to a White House fact sheet, Trump has ordered agency heads to coordinate with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to “significantly reduce the size of the government” and “limit hiring to essential position”.

The fact sheet said agencies would be allowed to hire only one employee for every four workers they fire. Agencies exempted from this directive include those in law enforcement, national security, immigration,and public safety roles. It's unclear if DOGE has the authority to enact mass layoffs in government agencies yet.

Musk defends cost -cutting

Musk, made a rare public appearance at the White House on Tuesday to defend the swift and extensive cuts he’s pushing across the federal government while acknowledging there have been mistakes and there will be more. Musk stood next to the Resolute Desk with his young son, X,  as Trump praised Musk’s work with his Department of Government Efficiency, saying they’ve found “shocking” evidence of wasteful spending.

The Republican President signed an executive order to expand Musk’s influence and continue downsizing the federal workforce. Musk defended DOGE’s work as “common sense” and “not draconian or radical.” “The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what the people are going to get,” he said. “That’s what democracy is all about.”