Billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump presented a united front in the Oval Office on Tuesday, making headlines as Trump signed an executive order granting Musk even more influence over federal operations.
The executive order mandates federal agencies to report to the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency Service (DOGE) as they work to reduce the federal workforce. New hires will require approval from a “DOGE Team Lead” at each agency, maintaining a strict ratio of no more than one hire for every four departures.
“By eliminating waste, bloat, and insularity, my Administration will empower American families, workers, taxpayers, and our system of Government itself,” Trump stated in the order.
However, Musk’s sweeping authority over government spending—typically controlled by Congress—has sparked multiple lawsuits, leaving the ultimate outcome uncertain.
Musk defended the reform by stating, “The people voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get. That’s what democracy is all about.”
Dressed in dark attire and sporting a “Make America Great Again” hat, Musk appeared with his child, X Æ A-12, who amusingly made headlines for an innocent yet humorous moment at the Resolute Desk.