The dynamic of cutting government while also cutting out those who answer to voters has alarmed even some fiscal conservatives who have long pushed for Congress to reduce spending.

The spending cuts loom over negotiations to prevent a government shutdown at the end of next week, and the White House is stepping up its outreach to GOP lawmakers.

Elon Musk said DOGE is set to grow to about 200 federal employees, up from about 100 currently as it fans across the federal department.