The U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has announced that Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, will lead a newly formed government efficiency group aimed at reducing federal waste. This new initiative comes as Trump continues to assemble a team of experienced figures and staunch allies for his upcoming administration.
Musk, a key supporter of Trump’s presidential campaign, reportedly contributed over $100 million to back Trump’s bid and frequently endorsed him on X, the social media platform Musk owns. Joining him in this new role is businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Together, they will head the newly established “Department of Government Efficiency” (abbreviated as “DOGE”), a playful nod to the popular internet meme and cryptocurrency.
In a statement, Trump praised Musk and Ramaswamy, stating, “These two outstanding Americans will lead my Administration’s efforts to dismantle government bureaucracy, cut excessive regulations, eliminate wasteful spending, and overhaul federal agencies.” He emphasized that the department would serve as an external advisory body, allowing Musk to potentially bypass public disclosure of his financial interests.
Musk, in response, took to X to highlight that the department’s initiatives will be shared online to ensure “maximum transparency,” including a “leaderboard for the most absurd government spending of your tax dollars.” He added, “This will be both extremely tragic and extremely entertaining.”
Meanwhile, Trump, 78, is expected to make a high-profile return to Washington on Wednesday, where he will meet President Joe Biden in the Oval Office. He may also visit the U.S. Capitol, where his party has secured a narrow Senate majority and is set to maintain control of the House of Representatives.
With just over two months left until his inauguration, Trump is swiftly moving to solidify an impressive political comeback. Global leaders are closely watching his appointments for insights into whether his administration will adhere to his previous pledges of an isolationist foreign policy, stricter immigration enforcement, and aggressive measures against those he considers adversaries.
