Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X, along with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
While the precise details of how this new entity will operate remain unclear, it appears that it will function outside the usual framework of government departments.
In a statement, Trump explained that the department will “provide counsel and guidance outside the scope of government,” working in collaboration with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget.
Musk and Ramaswamy have been given the task of “laying the groundwork” for a dramatic reduction in government bureaucracy and spending, with a goal to achieve these changes by July 4, 2026. Musk has suggested that the federal budget could be reduced by up to $2 trillion.
In a post on X last night, Musk stated he would create a “ranking system for the most wasteful use of taxpayer dollars.”
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024
Musk’s new role could potentially result in significant job losses. Musk, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump in recent months, notably contributed millions of dollars to the Trump re-election campaign. As anticipated, Musk was rewarded with an advisory position alongside fellow entrepreneur Ramaswamy, who was a rival contender for the Republican presidential nomination.
According to a statement from Trump’s transition team, the two men will work together to “dismantle government bureaucracy, cut unnecessary spending,” and create a “business-oriented approach to governance.”
U.S. government spending is estimated to total around $6.5 trillion annually, and their efforts could lead to widespread job cuts.
Trump is swiftly assembling his cabinet, with Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth being an unexpected pick for Secretary of Defense.
As previously reported, Trump has appointed former Director of National Intelligence (DNI) John Ratcliffe as the new head of the CIA, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the new Secretary of Homeland Security.
