Trump Taps Musk to Lead Cost-Cutting Government Reform

In early 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines by appointing tech billionaire Elon Musk to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), a move aimed at drastically cutting federal spending. The decision sparked both support and backlash, highlighting the divisive nature of Trump’s unconventional political strategies.

During a press conference on March 11, 2025, at the White House, Trump officially announced Musk’s role in overseeing Doge, which was tasked with reducing the national budget deficit by $2 trillion. Praising Musk as “a genius” and “the only one capable of eliminating waste and leading efficiently,” Trump expressed full confidence in his choice.

Upon taking office, Musk immediately began making structural changes, starting with assuming control of the Internal Revenue Service’s payment system—responsible for managing approximately $6 trillion in annual public financial flows. This direct access raised concerns among lawmakers and unions, some of whom filed legal complaints citing risks to taxpayer rights and data security.

Despite these criticisms, Trump stood by Musk, reiterating that only entrepreneurs of his caliber could address America’s fiscal challenges.

However, by February, Musk revised his savings goal downward to $1 trillion amid growing doubts about the initiative’s real impact. Analysts pointed to the lack of verifiable budget cuts and raised suspicions about inflated numbers due to “phantom expenditures.”

On April 22, 2025, Musk announced his gradual withdrawal from Doge, citing the need to refocus on Tesla following a decline in sales. He confirmed his limited legal capacity to serve as a special advisor—only 130 days a year—and will step down officially by the end of May. Doge’s operations are expected to continue until July 4, 2026.

Trump has continued to justify his choice, arguing that opposition to Musk stems from envy and vested interests in federal overspending. He insists that Musk’s involvement has put the nation on a better financial path.

This appointment reflects Trump’s ongoing strategy of bypassing political norms by placing business leaders in key governmental roles, a style that continues to provoke debate over transparency and the proper boundaries between public service and private enterprise.