Joined by Elon Musk in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that seeks to significantly reduce the size of government by instructing heads of federal departments and agencies to undertake plans for “large-scale reductions in force.”

Trump’s newest order directs the federal government to implement a “workforce optimization initiative” created by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which has been moving rapidly from one department to another to slash spending and gut programs.
“It’s not optional to reduce federal expenses, it’s essential,” Musk, wearing a black MAGA hat and joined by his son, X, said in remarks standing next to Trump, who was seated behind the Resolute Desk. Musk called the federal bureaucracy an “unelected, fourth, unconstitutional branch of government” that must be held accountable.
Agency heads are ordered to “coordinate and consult with DOGE to shrink the size of the federal workforce and limit hiring to essential positions,” the White House said in a summary of the order.

“Agency heads shall promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force, consistent with applicable law,” the order reads. It states that “all offices that perform functions not mandated by statute or other law” should be prioritized in the cuts.