Trump, Musk Promote Government Efficiency Initiatives at White House Event
President Donald Trump welcomed Elon Musk, his influential adviser and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to the White House on Tuesday for a rare public appearance, The Associated Press reports.
Together, they discussed the ambitious cuts Musk is advocating across the federal government, while acknowledging that some mistakes have occurred and may reappear in the process.
Standing beside the Resolute Desk with his young son, Musk highlighted his work in identifying “shocking” evidence of wasteful spending within government agencies. Trump applauded Musk’s efforts, signing an executive order to further expand Musk’s role and advance the streamlining of the federal workforce.
Musk asserted to reporters that his department is committed to openness, stating that information concerning DOGE’s activities is available on its website and through posts on X, the social media platform he owns.
While some attendees raised questions about the details of forthcoming cuts and access to program information, Musk maintained that the efforts put forth by DOGE are grounded in “common sense” and are “not draconian or radical.” He emphasized that the American public voted for substantial government reform:
“That’s what democracy is all about.”
Musk addressed false claims about government spending, acknowledging that inaccuracies can occur but reaffirming his commitment to correct any mistakes promptly.
“We are moving fast, so we will make mistakes, but we’ll also fix the mistakes very quickly,” he said, pointing out that accountability within the federal workforce is essential.
Under the newly signed executive order, DOGE will oversee hiring processes across the federal government, with a requirement for DOGE approval on nearly all new hires. The order outlines significant changes, stating that vacancies for career positions will only be filled upon the assessment of DOGE leadership, ensuring that government operations remain efficient and accountable.
Additionally, the Office of Management and Budget will enforce a hiring limit of one new employee for every four who leave, with some exceptions for critical areas such as immigration, law enforcement, and public safety. The directive also instructs agency leaders to prepare for “large-scale reductions in force,” prioritizing the elimination of government functions not stipulated by law.
Amid these sweeping reforms, Trump and Musk have encouraged federal workers to consider resigning in exchange for financial incentives. Though a judge is currently reviewing the legality of this deferred resignation program, reports indicate that over 65,000 employees have expressed interest in the offer, which would allow them to resign while remaining on the payroll until September 30.
