Elon Musk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, made a rare public appearance at the White House on Tuesday to address criticism regarding the lack of transparency surrounding his extensive efforts to cut federal government positions. These cuts are being made through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk leads.
Musk Defends DOGE’s Work
Standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office with his young son, Musk defended the work of DOGE, claiming the department’s approach was “common sense” and not “draconian or radical.” He described the federal bureaucracy as an “unelected” fourth branch of government with disproportionate power compared to elected representatives. Musk said, “The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what they’re going to get.”
Concerns Over Transparency and Accountability
Despite Musk’s defense, concerns have surfaced over the lack of transparency in DOGE’s operations. The recent firing of the USAID inspector general, who had raised alarms about the difficulty of monitoring $8.2 billion in humanitarian funds following DOGE’s actions, intensified these concerns. Additionally, Musk’s social media posts and DOGE’s website have been criticized for lacking details about which programs are being cut and the extent of the department’s reach.
Criticism of Claims and Pushback on Judicial Independence
Musk also acknowledged that some of the claims he made, such as the controversial statement about $50 million being spent on condoms for Gaza, were incorrect, but maintained that mistakes happen and should be corrected. He also addressed concerns over the scrutiny he is under, saying he expected “daily proctology exams” to ensure accountability. Musk emphasized his commitment to full transparency despite his critics.
Further tension arose as Trump and Musk lashed out at the judiciary on Tuesday, criticizing judges who blocked federal efforts to encourage buyouts and mass layoffs within the federal workforce. Trump questioned the independence of the judiciary, while Musk claimed the nation was facing a “judicial coup,” accusing judges of obstructing their reform agenda.
