The New York Times: Fierce quarrel between Rubio and Musk in the White House due to staff cuts

Secretary of State Marko Rubio and billionaire-entrepreneur Ilon Musk had a fierce quarrel at a cabinet meeting called by Donald Trump, the New York Times reports, citing an informed source. The incident happened at the White House during a meeting dedicated to the reorganization of the Cabinet of Ministers and the reduction of state spending.

The newspaper learns that the conflict began when Musk accused Rubio of « not laid off anyone » from his subordinates. In response, the Secretary of State said the entrepreneur was lying and noting that 1,500 employees had already been fired from the State Department. However, Musk did not withdraw and sarcastically said that Rubio was « great for television », alluding to his inability for realistic management decisions.

The dialogue took place in the presence of US President Donald Trump, who observed his arms, tilted to the armchair, the newspaper reports. The conflict continued and Trump finally got involved and defended Rubio. The president said that the Secretary of State was « doing great work » and was very busy: frequent trips, active media appearances and obligations in pursuing foreign policy.

The incident is a « turning point » after the first turbulent weeks of Trump's second presidential term, the New York Times said.

« The first serious sign that the president is preparing to limit the influence of Musk, whose actions are already subject to several trials and caused dissatisfaction with Republicans, » the newspaper said.

According to the newspaper, some lawmakers even directly expressed complaints to the entrepreneur and to the White House chief.

« Non -incidental meeting was a signal that the president was concerned about the growing dissatisfaction in the country and trying to balance by pleasing both sides, publicly praising Musk and his cabinet members, » the New York Times commented.

However, he made it clear that he continued to support Musk's initiatives to reorganize the government, but calls for a more realistic and more untry approach to the issue.

According to the arrangements, the ministers appointed by the president are responsible for the staff cuts in the cabinet, while the Musk team has only a consultative role, sources told the newspaper.