**WASHINGTON – In a significant public appearance at the White House on Tuesday, Elon Musk, a key advisor to President Donald Trump, defended his sweeping cuts to the federal government while admitting to past mistakes and acknowledging that more could occur.**
Musk, flanked by his young son, stood alongside Trump as the president lauded Musk’s efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), highlighting “shocking” findings of wasteful spending. Trump signed an executive order to broaden Musk’s influence, furthering the initiative to downsize the federal workforce.
Addressing concerns about his increasing, unaccountable power, Musk described himself as transparent while engaging with reporters for the first time since joining the Trump administration. He humorously likened the scrutiny of his role in federal agencies to a “daily proctology exam.”
Musk claimed that DOGE’s initiatives were publicly accessible but noted a lack of detailed information on its website regarding program cuts and access points going unnoticed. Recent actions by the White House have also limited independent oversight; a U.S. Agency for International Development inspector general was dismissed after warning about the challenges in monitoring $8.2 billion in humanitarian funds due to DOGE’s dismantling of the agency.
Defending DOGE’s actions as “common sense” and “not radical,” Musk stated, “The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what they’re going to get. That’s what democracy is all about.”
In response to inquiries about inaccuracies in claims regarding U.S. spending on various programs, Musk acknowledged that some statements had been erroneous and committed to promptly correct any errors, recognizing the potential for mistakes within DOGE as well. “We are moving fast, so we will make mistakes, but we’ll also fix the mistakes very quickly,” he added.
He pointed out that while some federal employees are commendable, accountability remains essential. He referred to the federal workforce as an “unelected” entity wielding excessive power, exceeding that of elected officials.
The recently signed executive order mandates DOGE approval for nearly all new hires, representing a substantial consolidation of hiring practices across the federal landscape. It states, “The agency shall not fill any vacancies for career appointments that the DOGE Team Lead assesses should not be filled, unless the Agency Head determines the positions should be filled.”
Furthermore, the Office of Management and Budget will enforce a hiring limit of no more than one new employee for every four departures, with specific exceptions for immigration, law enforcement, and public safety roles.
Agency leaders have also been instructed to prepare for “large-scale reductions in force,” prioritizing the elimination of government functions not mandated by law. Trump and Musk are pushing for federal workers to accept resignation offers, betting financial incentives to resign, although this program is currently on hold pending a legal review. Reports indicate over 65,000 workers have expressed interest in the program.
Protests erupted outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, rallying in support of federal workers. Attendees voiced concerns over job security as government actions create a climate of fear and uncertainty among civil servants.
Amidst rising frustrations, one Department of Energy graphic designer expressed apprehension over communications encouraging participation in the deferred resignation program, emphasizing her desire to continue serving the American public. “From the get-go, I didn’t trust it,” she remarked.
As apprehension sweeps through the federal workforce, employees are increasingly worried about their jobs and future. “They’re worried about their families and their work,” a former Environmental Protection Agency employee relayed. Others highlighted the terrifying atmosphere within federal agencies, exacerbated by fears of job security and oversight.
Concerns were raised about increased monitoring of employees following reports of a government lawyer fearing retaliation for speaking out anonymously. Many are now considering safer private-sector jobs amid uncertainties surrounding their positions.
The deferred resignation program has been met with skepticism, with concerns over legal rights regarding promised compensation lingering among workers. Such measures have sparked fierce debate regarding the future of federal employment amidst ongoing changes.
