Elon Musk’s influence in Washington continues to grow as he pursues his mission of streamlining and reshaping federal agencies, with a key ally in President Donald Trump.
The latest target is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an agency created after the Great Recession to protect Americans from financial abuses. Under Trump’s guidance, Musk is leveraging his unprecedented influence to drive the administration’s agenda of reducing government size and bureaucracy.
The CFPB, long criticized by Republicans for its regulatory overreach, is now facing significant changes. Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget and acting director of the CFPB, has ordered a freeze on the agency’s activities, halting its supervision and examination work. Musk, as a powerful figure in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, continues to push for what he describes as a “shredding” of outdated government functions, including those embodied by the CFPB. On social media, Musk’s blunt “CFPB RIP” post signals his determination to dismantle the agency’s authority, furthering his push for greater efficiency in government.
Musk’s broader vision is not just limited to regulatory reform but extends to entire government sectors. He has already moved aggressively against the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which he and Trump have critiqued as wasteful, despite its long history of humanitarian work. Trump’s approach to these agencies echoes his broader philosophy of curbing waste and inefficiency, a message that resonates with many of his supporters.
While some argue that these actions stretch the boundaries of presidential power, with legal challenges already underway, others view them as necessary steps to overhaul a bloated federal system. Trump has expressed strong support for Musk’s work, praising his efforts and welcoming his involvement in reshaping government structures. In a recent interview, Trump confirmed his trust in Musk, stating that the tech mogul’s deep involvement is a sign of his commitment to driving real change.
Despite concerns about Musk’s growing influence, especially as he interacts with sensitive data and holds significant sway over government agencies, the collaboration between Musk and Trump may prove to be a force for further disruption. Musk’s focus on eliminating inefficiencies aligns with Trump’s promise to reduce government intervention in the lives of Americans, a pledge that helped propel Trump’s victory in the last election.
As the duo continues to challenge the status quo in Washington, many of their actions will spark significant legal and political battles. However, their combined efforts could redefine the role of government in the United States, setting the stage for a new era of public-sector reform. While some worry about the consolidation of power, their supporters argue that Musk and Trump are simply doing what they were elected to do—fixing a broken system and making the government work for the people, not against them.
CNN and the Wall Street Journal contributed to this report.
