According to a recent report, Elon Musk is advocating for a government shutdown as a means to facilitate the firing of hundreds of thousands of federal workers. This strategy aligns with efforts by his DOGE team to streamline operations. The House is currently set to vote on a spending bill to prevent such a shutdown, though Democrats oppose this measure, arguing it threatens essential programs like Social Security.
Republican sources have revealed that Musk strongly prefers a government shutdown, despite challenges posed by the current administration. One Republican familiar with the situation stated, ‘A shutdown has been his preference. I think he’s boxed in there by the president.’ Another source indicated that Musk’s goal is to see the continuing resolution fail, even if it results in a brief shutdown.
Federal employees are increasingly concerned about potential permanent cuts following a shutdown. A State Department employee expressed fears that nonessential workers could face termination. During shutdowns, federal employees are categorized as essential or nonessential, with the latter group being furloughed until operations resume.
Musk has previously emphasized the need to eliminate so-called nonessential roles, which include critical functions like food inspection and weather data collection. A public policy professor noted that a shutdown aligns with Musk’s objectives, particularly his focus on targeting employees designated as nonessential during such events.
The report highlights concerns among federal workers that temporary shutdowns could pave the way for long-term reductions in staffing. Musk’s stance has sparked debate over the motivations behind this approach, with critics suggesting it aims to weaken Democratic influence rather than save money.
Despite these claims, neither Musk nor the White House has responded to requests for comment. The situation underscores broader tensions between political factions and the potential implications of government shutdowns on federal operations and workforce stability.