Limiting Musk's Powers; VA Employees On DOGE Emails; No Cure For Long COVID
Mar 8, 2025
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President Trump distances himself from Elon Musk's staffing influence, igniting a debate over power dynamics. VA employees express frustration about mandatory DOGE emails, revealing the tension within federal workplaces. On a different front, long COVID remains a pressing issue, with ongoing research and advocacy efforts highlighting the struggle for effective treatments. The complexities of this condition are explored, underlining the need for more funding and clinical trials.
Elon Musk's influence over staffing decisions has created tension with Trump’s cabinet members, leading to significant federal position cuts.
Veterans Health Administration employees voice frustration over unnecessary weekly reporting demands that detract from their patient care responsibilities.
Deep dives
Musk's Influence on Federal Staffing Decisions
President Trump has stated that his cabinet secretaries will be the ones making staffing decisions, though it appears that Elon Musk's influence continues to persist. Reports indicate ongoing clashes between Musk and cabinet members, particularly regarding staffing cuts and diversity initiatives. While Trump has said he wants to see good people retained, there have already been significant reductions in federal positions, which could impact agency effectiveness. The political implications of these cuts are uncertain, especially among congressional Republicans, as many workers affected are constituents in their states.
Federal Employees React to New Reporting Demands
Federal employees, particularly those at the Department of Veterans Affairs, have expressed frustration over new email requests asking them to summarize their weekly accomplishments. These demands, originated from Musk and not their direct managers, are seen as unnecessary at a time when employees are already under stress due to impending job cuts. Many workers feel that the additional reporting requests detract from their focus on patient care, especially in mental health fields. These challenges have led to anxiety and uncertainty among staff about their job security and the future of their roles in supporting veterans.
Ongoing Challenges in Long COVID Research
The long-term effects of COVID-19, known as long COVID, continue to affect millions of Americans, and researchers are gaining insights into its underlying causes. Despite identifying multiple factors that may contribute to long COVID symptoms, there remain significant hurdles in developing effective treatments due to a shortage of clinical trials and reliable biological markers. Advocacy groups are pushing for more funding and research initiatives, as federal support has been inconsistent under changing administrations. Patients continue to call for action and recognition, emphasizing the need for effective intervention strategies to address their ongoing health issues.
President Trump says that his Cabinet secretaries are actually supposed to be the ones to make staffing decisions, not Elon Musk and his DOGE entity. Also, we hear from employees at the Veterans Health Administration about how they feel about DOGE emails asking them to spell out what they did last week. Plus, a look at where things stand on the treatment of Long COVID.