Perhaps the most public of these statements came on Tuesday when Trump declared that DOGE is “headed by Elon Musk” during his televised speech to a joint session of Congress. That statement has since been introduced into the court records in each case against Musk as evidence that Musk indeed leads DOGE.

Trump said he wants his Cabinet to “keep good people” as he addressed sweeping government cuts – but he also warned that “we’re going to be watching.”

Trump’s message indicates that cabinet heads will have the final say on staffing decisions, rather than DOGE employees.