Washington — Elon Musk, standing next to President Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday, endorsed the Department of Government Efficiency’s initiatives aimed at significantly reducing spending and eliminating positions across the federal government, asserting that Americans sought substantial change and that the Trump administration is fulfilling that mandate.
Musk, the richest person in the world, addressed questions for the first time since the president granted him extensive power to restructure the executive branch.
“The public has called for major government reform, and that’s exactly what they are going to receive,” Musk stated, with his young son by his side. “They are going to get what they voted for.”
Reinforcing his backing for Musk’s initiatives, Mr. Trump signed an executive order that mandates federal agency leaders to collaborate with DOGE to reduce the federal government’s size. According to a White House fact sheet, this order instructs agency heads to “coordinate and consult with DOGE to decrease the size of the federal workforce and restrict hiring to essential roles.”
Musk emphasized that it is “crucial” for the federal government to cut spending, as interest on the national debt is becoming an increasingly significant part of the budget. The Trump administration, along with DOGE, is methodically working through agencies to streamline workforces and programs.
The swift reductions and suspensions of government programs, which Democrats label as illegal, have faced substantial legal challenges in the courts, with numerous lawsuits disputing the constitutionality of Musk and his team’s dismantling of congressional agencies and initiatives. Judges have obstructed the administration’s efforts on several fronts, including restricting Musk’s team from accessing sensitive Treasury Department records and delaying a deadline for “deferred resignations” offered to federal employees.
Musk asserted that federal employees must be held accountable, describing the bureaucracy as an “unelected” fourth branch of government. His own financial disclosure report will remain confidential.
When asked about potential personal conflicts and whether he is monitoring himself, Musk did not respond directly but noted that the DOGE website provides information about its activities, seemingly alluding to the group’s X account detailing canceled contracts. When questioned again, Musk stated that it is up to the public to investigate whether he is gaining from DOGE’s actions.
“You can see if I’m doing something that benefits one of my companies or not,” Musk remarked. “It’s completely apparent.”
Musk, who manages numerous companies with billions in federal contracts, expressed confidence that he would not evade scrutiny.
“I will be watched constantly,” he stated.
The president added that if he believed Musk had a conflict of interest in any project, he would prevent Musk from proceeding.
When asked whether he intends to adhere to court decisions that restrict his administration’s actions, Mr. Trump mentioned that he typically respects court rulings but questions the rationale behind judges blocking his agenda.
“Well, I always abide by the courts, and then I have to appeal it,” the president stated, while questioning why a judge would intervene in his plans.
Musk acknowledged that mistakes could occur and admitted that “some of the assertions I make may be incorrect,” referencing a misstatement regarding the U.S.’s plans to send large quantities of condoms to Gaza.
“We are moving quickly, so errors will happen, but we will rectify them promptly,” Musk confirmed.
