The US president asserts that DOGE will save hundreds of billions without impacting healthcare and welfare benefits.
President Donald Trump of the United States and tech tycoon Elon Musk have publicly supported their expansive cost-reduction initiative during a joint interview, where both expressed admiration for one another.
In a Fox News interview broadcasted on Tuesday, Trump revealed that he appointed Musk to head the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), seeking a “truly intelligent” collaborator.
“I hold him in high regard; I’ve always respected him. I was unaware that he was right about certain matters, and I consider myself quite adept at this. He developed Starlink and other advanced technologies that many people were oblivious to,” Trump told Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, speaking of Musk’s satellite internet service.
Trump mentioned that Musk and his team of “100 geniuses” are ensuring the implementation of his executive orders, to prevent the frustrations faced by previous administrations due to bureaucratic obstacles.
“He has some exceptionally bright young people working under him, although they don’t dress nearly as well. They’re often seen in t-shirts; you wouldn’t guess they possess an IQ of 180,” Trump remarked, lauding Musk as a “leader” who effectively gets things done.
Musk reciprocated by praising Trump.
“I have great respect for the president. I want to emphasize that,” Musk stated. “I consider President Trump to be a good person.”
“The president has faced unjust attacks from the media – it’s very unfair,” continued the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
“Having spent considerable time with the president, I have never observed him acting in a mean, cruel, or unjust manner. Not once.”
The pair also ridiculed claims from detractors that Musk had taken over Trump’s presidential role.
“Actually, Elon reached out to me. He said, ‘They’re attempting to create a rift between us.’ I responded, ‘Absolutely,’” Trump recounted.
“They reported, ‘Breaking news: Donald Trump has relinquished his control of the presidency to Elon Musk. President Musk will join a Cabinet meeting tonight at eight.’ I said, ‘It’s so evident.’ People are smart; they understand,” he added.
Musk’s DOGE has reportedly overseen the layoffs of around 20,000 federal government employees so far, with plans to dismiss an additional 200,000.
Critics have labeled Musk’s actions as unauthorized, accusing him of indiscriminately slashing governmental operations without due consideration and endangering Americans’ privacy by attempting to access sensitive data, including taxpayer information.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding the influence that the billionaire from South Africa wields over the government, given his lack of an elected position.
During Tuesday’s interview, Trump asserted that DOGE would uncover “hundreds of billions” in savings while avoiding cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits, even though these programs account for nearly half of government expenditure.
“Those programs will be reinforced – but won’t be altered. Medicare, Medicaid – none of that will be affected,” he stated.
