Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday his intention to establish a government efficiency commission tasked with auditing the entire federal government. The idea came from billionaire Elon Musk, who would spearhead the initiative. Trump and Musk, who have formed an unconventional alliance, aim to tackle government inefficiencies and rising costs.
During a speech to the Economic Club of New York, Trump detailed his plans, including cutting 10 government regulations for every new regulation implemented, if elected in November. The commission, proposed by Trump, would focus on eliminating fraud and improper payments, which he estimated cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars in 2022 alone. The objective is to suggest significant reforms and develop a strategy to save trillions of dollars within six months.
In the proposed overhaul, Trump also outlined measures to reduce government spending, lower corporate taxes for U.S.-based companies, simplify regulations, enhance energy production, and support cryptocurrencies. Elon Musk expressed his willingness to contribute to the initiative without seeking pay, title, or recognition via X, a social media platform he owns.
Trump and Musk, once perceived as rivals, have forged an unexpected partnership. Musk, previously identifying as a “moderate Democrat,” shifted his stance, eventually endorsing Trump following an attempted assassination. Both leaders have discussed potential collaboration in a second Trump administration during a recent conversation on X.
Efforts to reform government structures have been made by past administrations, such as the National Partnership for Reinventing Government established during Bill Clinton’s presidency, which aimed to streamline bureaucracy, reduce costs, and enhance public service responsiveness. Trump’s proposed efficiency commission, with Musk at the helm, signifies a new approach to addressing government inefficiencies and financial burdens.
