Elon Musk joined President Donald Trump and his Cabinet on Thursday for the first meeting of Trump’s second term, amid growing criticism over cost-cutting measures led by Musk’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk, who serves as head of DOGE and top adviser to Trump, defended his violent efforts to reduce national spending, saying that he’s “getting a lot of dying risks” due to the federal breaks. ” I is, like, load them up”, Musk said, pointing out,” But if we don’t do this, America did go bankrupt. That’s why it has to be done”.
In what observers saw as an unusual demonstration of his influence within the Trump administration, Musk highlighted his initiatives to reduce the federal labor by wearing a dark T-shirt labelled “tech help” and a helmet with the popular “MAGA” label, according to USA today.
President Trump backed Musk during the meeting, asking cabinet members,” Is anybody unhappy with Elon”? He then jokingly added,” If you are, well, throw them out of here”, prompting laughter and applause. Trump acknowledged minor disagreements but remarked,” For the most part, I think everyone’s not only happy, they’re thrilled”.
Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has implemented sweeping cuts across federal departments, slashing budgets and laying off tens of thousands of workers.
The cost-cutting campaign has provoked strong backlash, including threats against Musk.
Last week, David Cherry of Palmyra, Indiana, was arrested for posting death threats against Musk on X, the social media platform owned by the billionaire. Authorities discovered an AR-15-style rifle, a handgun, ammunition, and a ballistic vest at Cherry’s residence, according to the Washington Times. He was charged with intimidation.
