Musk Defends Government Cost-Cutting Plans in Surprise White House Appearance

Elon Musk made a surprise appearance at the White House on Tuesday, where he denied leading a “hostile takeover” of the US government and defended his cost-cutting plans.

The world’s richest individual took questions from reporters in the Oval Office alongside the President, who has assigned him the task of reducing the size and spending of the federal government.

The President subsequently signed an executive order granting Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) greater authority to reduce the federal workforce, instructing agency heads to comply with the department’s directives.

Doge has faced criticism from some who allege a lack of transparency, and its efforts have been impeded by legal challenges.

Musk, speaking to reporters for the first time since the current administration took office, described the proposed government cuts as “common sense” and “not draconian or radical.”

“The people voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get,” he said. “That’s what democracy is all about.”

He added, “I fully expect to be scrutinized. It’s not like I think I can get away with something.”