Republicans on Capitol Hill are growing increasingly skeptical of Elon Musk’s leadership in President Trump’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. As Musk faces more Democratic criticism, several GOP senators are starting to question his approach, particularly after a series of missteps related to his handling of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Some Republican lawmakers are worried about having an unelected billionaire at the helm of such a major reform effort. Musk’s push to cut federal jobs, many of which are in their home states, is drawing criticism, especially as inflation remains high and many Americans are struggling financially.
Senators like John Thune (R-S.D.) have defended Musk’s role, praising him as an outsider who can bring fresh ideas to Washington. But others are increasingly dissatisfied with how the reforms have been executed. Musk’s plans to close agencies and pressure workers into resigning are being called “flawed” by some in the GOP.
One senator pointed out that Musk’s buyout offer, which promised seven months of severance, was poorly managed and didn’t take into account the impact on federal agencies. “I think they’re just looking to reduce numbers, it’s not efficiency, it’s not output. It’s, ‘We just need bodies gone,’” the senator said.
Musk’s call for a “wave of judicial impeachments” in response to federal judges blocking Trump’s executive orders also sparked anger from GOP senators. “Wrong, wrong, wrong. Get him out of the White House. Get him out, the sooner the better,” one senator said. “Every day that he’s there, he seems more destructive.”
Recent polls show that Musk’s leadership is unpopular among key voter groups, including independents and moderates, who could be crucial for Republicans in battleground states. A recent poll found that 49% of independents and 54% of moderates disapproved of Musk’s handling of DOGE.
One Republican senator noted that Musk’s buyout offer has caused confusion among federal workers in their state, with many unsure of what the offer means for their jobs and families. “Who is this guy? He’s a billionaire, which puts him in a certain category. How does he have the authority if he’s not elected by anybody to do what he’s doing?” the senator said.
Musk’s decision to cut the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) also raised concerns. The move has affected farmers who rely on federal aid to sell food products globally. Another senator mentioned the negative impact on Head Start programs and nonprofit groups in their state, which are facing funding cuts.
Musk’s involvement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which serves millions of veterans, has also alarmed some Republicans. His team has been linked to efforts to reduce the VA’s workforce, leading to concerns among veterans and their families.
Public criticism of Musk from GOP senators is increasing. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) said that Trump had given Musk too much influence, questioning whether it was appropriate for an unelected billionaire to have so much power over federal policies. She also criticized Trump’s decision to suspend enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which affected Tesla suppliers.
“I don’t think the administration should be suspending laws,” Collins said. She has also pushed back against Musk and Trump’s efforts to freeze federal grants and reorganize agencies without informing Congress first.
Musk’s social media presence has also stirred controversy. His blunt online remarks, including boasting about dismantling USAID, have only added to the frustration. Musk boasted on his social media platform X that “we spent the weekend feeding USAID into the woodchipper. Could gone to some great parties. Did that instead.”
Musk’s comments about federal agencies being like “weeds” that need to be completely removed have not gone over well with many Republicans.
Democrats have seized on Musk’s actions as evidence that Trump has handed too much power to Musk, given his financial interests in companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) have called for Musk to release his financial disclosures to ensure there are no conflicts of interest.
Some Republicans, however, still defend Musk’s approach. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) acknowledged Musk’s controversial social media presence but noted that many people support his efforts to reform the government. “Most people I know are cheering him on,” Cramer said, although he did mention that there might need to be “guardrails” if Musk’s actions start crossing ethical lines.
