Elon Musk defended his role in reducing government jobs as President Donald Trump granted him more power to streamline federal spending. Speaking from the White House, Musk dismissed claims of a hostile takeover, calling job reductions necessary to control the government’s budget.
Trump signed an order expanding Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and requiring federal agencies to follow its cost-cutting directives. Critics say DOGE lacks transparency, and legal challenges have slowed its efforts. Despite pushback over Elon Musk’s federal workforce cuts, he called it common sense.
“That’s what democracy is all about,” stated Musk. He argued that federal employees from an unelected fourth branch of government wield more power than elected officials. His efforts include freezing agency funding, offering buyouts, and auditing departments for financial waste.
Trump claimed these actions could save over $1 trillion, though he provided no evidence. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer strongly opposed Musk’s moves, calling them a hostile federal government takeover. “An unelected shadow government is conducting a hostile takeover of the federal government,” he stated.
Democrats also raised concerns about Musk’s business ties, suggesting he could benefit from specific agency closures. When questioned, Musk brushed off concerns about conflict of interest. A CBS poll showed that most Americans support Elon Musk’s federal workforce cuts, though opinions vary on his level of influence.
While Republicans back his cost-cutting agenda, 66% of respondents want Trump to focus on lowering prices instead. Trump’s executive order now requires agencies to limit hiring, allowing only one new employee for every four who leave.
This sweeping reduction could impact departments like USAID, which recently faced significant staffing cuts. Musk’s aggressive approach to reshaping the federal workforce will likely face continued opposition in Congress and the courts.
