Elon Musk joined President Donald Trump within the Oval Workplace on Tuesday, the place he addressed reporters for the primary time amid his controversial cost-cutting efforts throughout the federal authorities.
Musk defended DOGE as Trump requested him to talk about the crew’s work. The Tesla billionaire introduced his younger son “X” and was carrying a black “Make America Nice Once more” hat.
“If there’s not suggestions loop from the folks to the federal government and you probably have rule of the bureaucrat, or if the paperwork is in cost, then what which means does democracy even have?” stated Musk, who’s an unelected official himself.
Musk had not confronted questions since taking the lead on Trump’s mandate to dismantle federal businesses. The White Home has stated he’s categorized as a “particular authorities worker” and it is unclear to whom he’s accountable to, aside from Trump.
Elon Musk speaks subsequent to U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured) within the Oval Workplace of the White Home in Washington, Feb. 11, 2025.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
ABC Information Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott pressed Musk on what checks he faces and whether or not he’s policing himself. Musk in response claimed his actions are “absolutely clear.”
DOGE has confronted early setbacks from the courts, with a federal decide quickly blocking Musk and his crew from accessing Treasury Division materials, together with delicate data such because the Social Safety numbers and checking account data of hundreds of thousands of People.
The administration and a few key Republicans, together with Home Speaker Mike Johnson, have criticized the courtroom motion towards DOGE. Johnson earlier Tuesday stated the courts ought to “step again” and let DOGE work.
This can be a creating story. Please verify again for updates.