WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - Wall Street's top

regulator is facing an exodus of staff across key departments as

hundreds of employees have agreed to take resignation offers

amid President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to remake

the U.S. government, five people familiar with the matter told

Reuters.

Departures from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,

which include senior staff and enforcement lawyers, could

significantly hamper the watchdog's efforts to police markets

and protect investors, the sources said. They come as part of an

effort by the SEC to address Trump and Musk's calls for deep

cuts across federal agencies.