Musk and Trump team up to cut government waste
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President Trump announced on Friday that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will examine the Defense Department’s substantial budget following significant reductions at other federal agencies, particularly USAID. During a White House press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump emphasized that the review would be comprehensive.
The president referenced the recent USAID restructuring, noting that approximately 97% of personnel had been affected by the cuts scheduled for Friday at midnight. He indicated that while similar dramatic reductions weren’t expected elsewhere, significant inefficiencies would likely be uncovered at other agencies.
The Defense Department, which commands the largest share of federal discretionary spending, has previously faced scrutiny for excessive expenditures, including a notorious case of $10,000 toilet seat covers for Air Force cargo planes that was terminated in 2018.
Ready to have your mind blown?
Senator John Kennedy on Elon Musk and DOGE exposing USAID, “I'll tell you what Mr. Musk discovered. I find it fascinating. He discovered:
– The American taxpayers are giving money to Afghanistan
– He found that we are giving money to Yemen
– He… pic.twitter.com/605uTwKbTV— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) February 7, 2025
Speaking earlier in the Oval Office, Trump characterized USAID’s expenditures as “corrupt or ridiculous” and declared that “the whole thing is a fraud.” He praised Musk’s oversight of the cost-cutting initiative, which has deployed young staff members to scrutinize agency spending patterns.
Trump provided insight into the operation’s methodology, explaining his direct involvement in targeting specific departments for review. He described how Musk’s team identifies potential issues through their questioning process, suggesting that hesitant responses often indicate either dishonesty or incompetence.
When addressing concerns about Social Security, Trump maintained his commitment to preserving the program while emphasizing plans to eliminate benefits for unauthorized immigrants.
The left is now outraged about Musk hiring 19 year old big ball doge workers. 🤣
Remember this next time they push for 16 year olds to vote.🤣pic.twitter.com/h4ZxQsfqiR
— DR. ETIQUETTE 🤦♂️ (@DrEtiquette) February 7, 2025
Democratic opposition to the initiative has been vocal, with lawmakers staging protests outside the Education Department amid speculation about impending cuts. Trump specifically criticized Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), calling her a “lowlife” and suggesting that opponents of the efficiency measures “don’t love our country.”
The president expressed confidence that while the initiative would uncover additional waste across government agencies, the scale of reductions would likely not match those implemented at USAID. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining transparency in government operations while pursuing these efficiency measures.
