In a rare public engagement, Elon Musk, a prominent adviser to President Trump, appeared at the White House to discuss significant budget cuts he’s advocating for within the federal government. He acknowledged past missteps in this endeavor, indicating that there may be more errors in the future. Musk, standing beside his young son at the Resolute Desk, received praise from Trump for his contributions through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed at reducing federal expenses. During this event, Trump signed an executive order intended to further decrease the size of the federal workforce.
Musk addressed concerns regarding his increasing influence and the potential lack of oversight. He framed it humorously, equating the scrutiny he faces to a “daily proctology exam.” Despite promising transparency, the White House dismissed the inspector general for the U.S. Agency for International Development shortly after the watchdog’s office raised alarms about the impact of DOGE-led changes on monitoring humanitarian funds totaling $8.2 billion.
During this public event, Musk responded to media inquiries for the first time since taking on a role within the Trump administration. He characterized DOGE’s initiatives as sensible rather than extreme, asserting, “The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what the people are going to get.” He emphasized that this aligns with the principles of democracy.
Musk, known for his wealth and ownership of the social media platform X, stated his efforts to maintain transparency and claimed that DOGE’s activities are publicized through their website and X. However, observers noted that the DOGE website lacks comprehensive details about program cuts, and the information shared on X does not specify which initiatives are affected or how the organization operates.
He also admitted that some assertions he had made about federal programs could be inaccurate. “Some of the things that I say will be incorrect and should be corrected. So nobody can bat 1,000,” he acknowledged, specifying that he would quickly rectify any mistakes. Musk further conceded that DOGE might also make errors, stating, “We are moving fast, so we will make mistakes, but we’ll also fix the mistakes very quickly.”
Musk recognized the presence of capable individuals within the federal workforce but stressed the necessity for accountability, suggesting that the bureaucracy operates as a powerful “unelected” body overshadowing elected officials. The federal leaders, including Trump and Musk, are encouraging workers to resign in exchange for financial incentives, although a judge is currently reviewing the legality of this initiative. The deferred resignation plan would provide payments until the end of September for those who choose to leave. Administration representatives indicated that over 65,000 employees had accepted the offer.
A White House fact sheet released alongside the executive order clarified that federal agencies would develop plans for substantial workforce reductions and evaluate which components could potentially be merged or eliminated. It advised agencies to limit hiring to one new employee for every four who exit, with exceptions for roles related to immigration, law enforcement, and public safety.
Meanwhile, hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Capitol to express support for federal employees. Janet Connelly, a graphic designer employed by the Department of Energy, voiced her frustration with ongoing communications from the Office of Personnel Management regarding the deferred resignation program. She attempted to block these emails but found it ineffective and stated her intention to remain in her job. “From the get-go, I didn’t trust it,” she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to public service.
Concerns regarding job security and the well-being of families have permeated the federal workforce. Helen Bottcher, a former EPA employee and current union representative in Seattle, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the fears workers have about their livelihoods and the communities they serve. Bottcher attended a press conference alongside Senator Patty Murray, who criticized the pressures placed on federal employees by Musk and Trump. She asserted that retaining these workers is vital to prevent system failures.
A federal lawyer, wishing to remain anonymous due to fears of backlash, described the current environment as daunting for government employees. Many are anxious about possible surveillance of their communications, with family members urging them to seek safer employment opportunities. This lawyer expressed skepticism about the deferred resignation program, pointing out that accepting the offer would waive workers’ rights to sue for unpaid benefits. “The idea, she said, was insane,” she concluded.
