A US political news outlet say President Donald Trump has limited Elon Musk's authority over the staffing of federal departments and agencies.



The tech billionaire was present at a meeting of Cabinet members and others that Trump convened on Thursday. Musk heads the "Department of Government Efficiency," or DOGE, which is tasked with cutting government jobs and spending.



Politico cited administration officials as saying Trump told his Cabinet that "Musk was empowered to make recommendations to the departments but not to issue unilateral decisions on staffing and policy."



The news website also quoted a source who said Musk "acknowledged that DOGE had made some missteps."



Trump later told reporters that he instructed his Cabinet members to keep the "good people" they need. He added he wants those workers "to do the best job they can."



Trump said it is better for Cabinet members to cut the federal workforce, but added that if they don't, "Elon will do the cutting."



The president also said he plans to hold similar meetings every two weeks.



The move comes amid reports that Cabinet members have expressed frustration about the way Musk wields power in the government. Observers say Trump is seeking to ease the tensions within his administration.