Congressional Republicans cheer Trump ally Elon Musk for slashing government spending
Elon Musk had a prime seat for Trump’s congressional address Tuesday in the House gallery, and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency was at the front and center of Trump’s remarks.
Musk has been the dominant player in Trump’s administration, besides the president himself, and tearing through federal agencies as the driving force behind DOGE. It has moved with lightning speed to cut government, implementing mass layoffs and wreaking havoc at various federal agencies and sparking backlash.
"I have created the brand new Department of Government Efficiency. Perhaps you've heard of it. Which is headed by Elon Musk, who is in the gallery tonight," Trump said. "Thank you, Elon, for working very hard. He didn't need this, he didn't need this. Thank you very much. We appreciate it."
Musk stood up in the gallery, nodding his head in acknowledgment as Republicans applauded.
The president proceeded to list off federal spending he described as "scams" that DOGE has targeted, from $45 million for diversity, equity and inclusion scholarships in the Asia nation of Burma to $59 million in hotel rooms for illegal immigrants in New York City.
Trump said DOGE is "headed" by Musk but his administration, which is contrary to what the administration said in a recent court filing. The White House has said Amy Gleason is the acting administrator of DOGE.
Democrats urge Trump to fire Musk
The Tuesday address comes after over three dozen Democratic lawmakers called on Trump to fire Musk.
In a joint letter to the president Monday, Democrats argued the new Republican administration illegally fired dozens of government officials whose agencies were either investigating or prosecuting companies owned by Musk.
Among those leading the charge against Musk are top Democrats Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. and Cory Booker, D-N.J., and officials on the House Oversight and Judiciary committees, Reps. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., Jamie Raskin, D-Md.
The Trump administration’s removal of agency heads and workers has impacted 11 federal agencies investigating Musk-owned companies like Tesla, SpaceX and Neuralink, according to the letter. Those agencies are conducting 32 ongoing investigations, complaints or enforcement actions against Musk-owned companies.
Contributing: Riley Beggin, Paste BN