Photo: Evan Vucci/AP
US President Donald Trump has called on billionaire Elon Musk to be even more aggressive in reducing government spending, despite massive layoffs and controversy over sharp budget cuts. This is reported by Reuters.
“Elon is doing a great job, but I want to see him get even more aggressive,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding the traditional MAGA slogan (“Make America Great Again”).
Sharp downsizing of government agencies
The Musk-led Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE), created at Trump’s initiative, has already laid off tens of thousands of civil servants. In particular, scientists, national park rangers, and probationary officials have been laid off.
What is known about DOGE?
▪️ The department was founded on 11 November, immediately after Trump’s election victory.
▪️ Initially, it was co-chaired by Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who was running for the Republican Party nomination.
▪️ Later, Ramaswamy left the project, and now Musk is leading it alone.
▪️ DOGE aims to “eliminate bureaucracy” and reduce excessive regulations.
Mass layoffs and criticism
Opponents of the reform have condemned Musk and Trump’s policy, saying that the radical layoffs undermine the functioning of state institutions. However, the White House insists that the cuts will reduce budgetary spending and make the government more efficient.
So far, Elon Musk has not commented on Trump’s statement. He is expected to respond at the next DOGE briefing.
