U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced Elon Musk as co-leader of a new department aimed at boosting government efficiency. Musk will work alongside former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a body operating outside traditional government frameworks.
Trump selected Musk and Ramaswamy to collaborate with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget. Their mission includes structural reform and bringing entrepreneurial strategies to government processes, cutting red tape and reducing expenses.
Determined Plans to Slash Bureaucracy, Cut Costs
Trump envisions Musk and Ramaswamy overhauling outdated federal agencies, eliminating wasteful spending, and making government operations more effective. Trump believes their efforts will streamline government functions, reducing costs and increasing productivity across federal agencies.
Musk stated on his social platform X that he plans to post all department actions online to ensure “maximum transparency.” He also invited the public to voice concerns if they notice critical programs facing cuts or areas where wasteful spending persists.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024
Ramaswamy Determined to See Mission Through
Ramaswamy voiced strong support for the department’s mission on X, writing, “We will not go gently,” followed by an American flag emoji. Both Musk and Ramaswamy appear committed to challenging political norms while advocating for aggressive spending cuts and efficiency.
Some officials question how this advisory body will operate under federal guidelines like the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Musk and Ramaswamy, as non-federal employees, are exempt from certain ethics disclosures required for official government staff.
Musk has long advocated for a government efficiency department, calling it “DOGE” after the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, which he publicly supports. Trump said the department will conduct audits and propose key financial reforms.
Musk’s Business Ventures May Benefit from Changes
Musk has proposed $2 trillion in spending cuts, which may impact regulatory policies affecting his businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX. Analysts believe Musk’s government role could benefit his ventures, especially in artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency markets.
Since Trump’s election, Tesla’s stock price has risen 30%, and Dogecoin’s value has surged, suggesting investors expect favorable regulatory shifts under the Trump administration.
Public Advocacy Groups Voice Criticism
Not all parties approve of Musk’s government role. Public Citizen, a consumer rights group, criticized Musk’s lack of regulatory experience. Co-president Lisa Gilbert highlighted that Musk’s businesses have previously breached regulations, questioning his suitability for the role.
Trump set a deadline for the department’s work by July 4, 2026, the nation’s 250th Independence anniversary. He hopes Musk and Ramaswamy’s efforts will achieve a leaner, more efficient government, marking the occasion with a “gift” of improved governance.
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