Elon Musk Agrees Trump ‘Should Be Able to Fire’ any executive branch official

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk backed a statement from Utah Senator Mike Lee, who argued that the president should have the authority to dismiss any executive branch employee, with the sole exception of the vice president. Musk’s response was succinct yet emphatic: “Absolutely.”

Absolutely

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2024

The exchange comes as Trump prepares to implement bold personnel changes following his November election victory. According to reports, the president-elect plans to replace individuals in key positions, such as FBI Director Christopher Wray and IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, despite their fixed terms extending beyond his inauguration. Such moves are considered a departure from tradition, as these roles typically remain unchanged until the end of their term, barring misconduct.

While critics view these replacements as a challenge to institutional norms, legal experts affirm the president’s authority to make such decisions. “Historically, there was more of a political constraint on removing someone before their term was over unless there was some bad behavior,” said David Lewis, a political scientist at Vanderbilt University. “The political handbrake is eroding, and it may no longer be functioning.”

Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to overhaul the federal government, presenting himself as a disruptor to bureaucratic inefficiency. Central to his vision is the creation of a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a proposed agency tasked with reducing government waste and streamlining operations.

To lead this initiative, Trump has floated the idea of appointing two high-profile figures: Elon Musk and billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Both individuals are known for their unorthodox approaches to problem-solving and their willingness to challenge traditional systems. Ramaswamy, in particular, has outlined a plan to reduce the federal workforce by 75%, a dramatic proposal that aligns with Trump’s promise to trim government size and scope.

In addition to proposing DOGE, Trump has named nominees for critical positions, including Kash Patel as FBI Director. A staunch Trump ally, Patel has been an outspoken critic of the FBI, accusing the agency of being part of a “deep state” conspiracy in his recent book.

For the IRS, Trump has tapped former Missouri Congressman Billy Long, who has advocated for dismantling the federal tax system. Long’s legislative history includes co-sponsoring bills to abolish the IRS and replace the income tax with a national sales tax.

These selections have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the qualifications and intentions of Trump’s appointees. Supporters, however, argue that the choices reflect the president-elect’s commitment to challenging entrenched bureaucracies and fostering accountability.

Trump’s approach signals a departure from the cautious transitions of previous administrations. While tradition has often served as an informal guide for presidential actions, the president-elect appears willing to push the boundaries of executive authority to fulfill his campaign promises.

Experts warn that such moves could have lasting implications for governance. “Ousting and replacing the heads of agencies with fixed terms was once considered off-limits,” Lewis noted. “But Trump’s actions may set a precedent for future administrations.”

As Trump finalizes his plans, the nation is poised to witness one of the most transformative periods in modern U.S. government history. The president-elect’s willingness to challenge conventions, combined with the endorsement of influential figures like Elon Musk, underscores his determination to reshape Washington’s operations fundamentally.