Elon Musk Meets Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Refuting ‘Hostile Takeover’ Claims of the US Government | US News
Elon Musk was present in the Oval Office with Donald Trump as the US President authorized an executive order permitting the tech entrepreneur to implement significant cutbacks in the federal workforce.
Leading the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory body, Mr. Musk expressed his intention to introduce “common sense controls” within the government and ensure that taxpayers’ funds are utilized prudently.
The executive order necessitates that government agencies collaborate with DOGE, allowing for “eliminations or mergers” where functions are deemed unnecessary by law.
Furthermore, agencies are instructed to “restrict hiring to one new employee for every four that leave federal employment,” with exceptions for sectors such as immigration, law enforcement, and public safety.
Diving into a question-and-answer session with reporters, Mr. Musk faced inquiries regarding claims that he is executing a “hostile takeover” of the government without transparency.
Elon Musk informed reporters in the Oval Office that ‘the public voted for significant government reform’. Pic: AP
The Tesla CEO remarked, “The public voted for significant government reform… and they will receive what they voted for. That’s the essence of democracy.”
He further emphasized, “We possess an unelected, fourth unconstitutional branch of government, which is the bureaucracy, currently holding more power than many elected officials,” while standing with his son, X Æ A-12.
Mr. Musk elaborated on what he termed a deficiency in Treasury oversight. “Your tax dollars should be spent sensibly on matters that truly concern the public… it’s just common sense, nothing extreme or radical,” he stated.
Elon Musk brought his son to the White House for the Oval Office news briefing. Pic: Reuters
When questioned about the safeguards ensuring accountability regarding Mr. Musk’s role as an unelected official, he responded, “We are striving for maximum transparency… I can’t recall a scenario where an organization has been more forthcoming.”
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Another journalist raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, highlighting that Mr. Musk has received substantial federal contracts.
“All our actions are fully transparent,” he stated, while indicating he anticipates ongoing scrutiny – likening it to “a daily proctologist exam” – but also acknowledged, “We will make mistakes, but we will promptly rectify them.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Mr. Musk criticized judges who had issued rulings halting Mr. Trump’s executive directives.
“Democracy in America is being undermined by a judicial coup,” Mr. Musk posted on X.
The president echoed similar sentiments in the Oval Office alongside Mr. Musk.
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“We aim to eliminate corruption. It seems hard to fathom that a judge would say, we don’t want you to do that,” he asserted.
“Perhaps we should scrutinize the judges since that poses a significant issue. I consider it a severe infringement.”
Mr. Trump also discussed matters with Jordan’s King Abdullah at the White House.
The president reiterated his commitment to “take Gaza” and relocate its residents to Jordan and Egypt, a proposal the king has firmly rejected.
