In a surprise appearance at the White House on Tuesday, Elon Musk pushed back against accusations of leading a “hostile takeover” of the U.S. government. Flanked by President Donald Trump, Musk defended his role in spearheading sweeping federal spending cuts and operational reforms through the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
The reforms, tasked by Trump, aim to drastically reduce the size and cost of the federal government. Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, expanding Doge’s authority to enforce spending cuts and workforce reductions across federal agencies, sparking both support and opposition from political circles.
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Musk Stands Firm on Cost-Cutting Initiatives
Addressing the media from the Oval Office, Musk dismissed concerns over his influence on government policy, calling his measures “common sense.” Wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap, Musk emphasized that the government’s reform was a democratic mandate. “The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what they’re getting,” he said.
Musk, who has overseen spending freezes and workforce buyouts, has also slashed international aid, including cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He referred to the federal workforce as an “unelected, unconstitutional branch of government,” drawing sharp reactions.
Democrats Sound Alarm Over Musk’s Expanding Role
Democrats have voiced strong opposition to Musk’s growing influence within the administration. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Musk of leading a “shadow government” and vowed legislative efforts to counter Musk’s authority. “This is a hostile takeover of the federal government by an unelected individual,” Schumer warned.
Trump, however, defended Musk’s leadership, arguing that Musk’s reforms were vital to curbing government waste and reducing unnecessary spending. “We wouldn’t let him do this if there was any concern about transparency or conflicts of interest,” Trump said.
Trump Signs Order for Federal Workforce Reduction
As part of the broader reform, Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to slash their workforce. The directive mandates that for every four employees who leave, only one may be hired, further escalating efforts to downsize the government.
Musk insisted that the cuts were essential to maintaining national solvency. “It’s not optional; it’s crucial for America to stay financially sound,” Musk said. Trump supported the move, alleging widespread waste and fraud in government spending.
Public Opinion Divided on Musk’s Reforms
A CBS News poll revealed that most Americans support Musk’s cost-cutting measures, though opinions are split on the extent of his influence. While Republicans strongly back the reforms, many Americans, especially Democrats, are concerned about Musk’s growing control.
Meanwhile, USAID, one of the most affected agencies, has faced severe cutbacks under Musk’s leadership. On Tuesday, the agency’s inspector general was fired after releasing a report critical of Musk’s furlough plans and global aid program shutdowns. Critics argue that the drastic cuts could weaken essential services and diminish U.S. influence abroad.
