Trump Expands DOGE’s Power with Executive Order
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a historic executive order that grants the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sweeping new authority over federal workforce reductions. The signing event, held in the Oval Office, was attended by tech billionaire Elon Musk and his four-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, commonly known as ‘Little X.’
This executive order directs federal agencies to coordinate with DOGE in a large-scale effort to streamline government operations. The order mandates a significant reduction in staff across various agencies and restricts hiring to only essential positions.
Trump’s Vision for Government Efficiency
During a press conference following the signing, Trump praised DOGE’s mission and emphasized the need for government accountability. He stated:
“We have too much bureaucratic waste. DOGE is doing a fantastic job in ensuring efficiency, and I want them to continue their work without interference.”
Despite ongoing legal challenges regarding the agency’s authority, Trump remains steadfast in his commitment to restructuring the federal workforce.
Elon Musk Defends Expanded Role in Government Restructuring
Wearing an all-black “Make America Great Again” cap, Elon Musk defended DOGE’s role in overseeing federal employment policies. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, known for his business acumen and cost-cutting strategies, has been given unprecedented authority in advising government efficiency measures.
Musk commented:
“An unaccountable bureaucracy is dangerous. Government should be responsive to the people, and our goal is to ensure transparency and efficiency.”
Musk also questioned the accumulation of wealth by certain government officials, stating:
“Some federal employees earning a few hundred thousand dollars somehow amass tens of millions in net worth. We’re simply asking where that money is coming from.”
Little X Steals the Spotlight
As Musk spoke, his young son Little X stole the show by making playful gestures and clinging to his father. Videos from the event quickly went viral, especially one showing the child mimicking Musk’s gestures and another capturing him wiping his nose on the historic Resolute Desk, a piece of furniture dating back to President Rutherford Hayes in 1880.
Musk’s $1 Trillion Savings Pledge
Musk, who maintains regular contact with Trump, has pledged to identify $1 trillion in government savings by eliminating fraud and inefficiencies. This figure represents nearly 15% of total federal spending.
He emphasized the importance of cutting redundant roles while ensuring that essential services remain unaffected.
Legal Challenges Loom for DOGE
Despite the ambitious goals, multiple law firms have already filed lawsuits against DOGE, challenging its authority over federal workforce decisions. In response, Musk took to his social media platform, X to criticize these legal actions:
“Which law firms are pushing these anti-democratic cases to impede the will of the people?”
The lawsuits argue that DOGE’s power expansion bypasses traditional oversight, raising concerns about the agency’s legal standing.
What This Means for Federal Employees
The United States government currently employs approximately 2.3 million civilians, excluding the Postal Service. While security-related agencies make up a large portion of the workforce, hundreds of thousands work in roles such as:
- Veterans’ healthcare
- Agriculture inspection
- Government finance and billing
If fully implemented, this executive order could result in one of the largest workforce reductions in U.S. history.
For a deeper look into how government workforce reductions impact efficiency, check out our in-depth analysis.
Conclusion
Trump’s executive order granting DOGE increased authority marks a significant shift in federal employment policies. With Elon Musk at the forefront, this move aims to streamline government functions, cut costs, and increase transparency. However, legal battles and public scrutiny will determine whether DOGE’s ambitious goals come to fruition.
As this story unfolds, one thing is clear: Trump, Musk, and DOGE are reshaping the landscape of government efficiency like never before.
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