Elon Musk's Growing Influence Over U.S. Government Sparks National Debate
Elon Musk’s growing influence over the U.S. government has become a focal point of national attention, as highlighted by a recent Time magazine cover depicting Musk seated behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. The cover story, titled “Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington,” details Musk’s aggressive efforts to overhaul federal agencies under the Trump administration. Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, has been deputized by President Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a temporary team tasked with slashing budgets, reducing federal staff, and dismantling bureaucratic obstacles to the administration’s agenda.
The DOGE team has already targeted several agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was effectively shut down after Musk’s team demanded access to sensitive facilities and accused the agency of being a “criminal organization.” Similar efforts have been directed at the U.S. Digital Service, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Treasury Department, where officials resisting DOGE’s demands have been forced out. Musk’s approach mirrors his controversial takeover of Twitter, where he fired 80% of the staff, and his team has reportedly offered federal employees buyouts to resign.
While some view Musk’s mission as a necessary overhaul of an inefficient government, critics warn of the dangers of concentrating such power in the hands of an unelected billionaire. The DOGE’s actions have sparked lawsuits, protests, and bipartisan concern, with lawmakers like Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin questioning the legality of Musk’s influence. As the federal workforce braces for further cuts, the long-term implications of Musk’s “war on Washington” remain uncertain, leaving millions of Americans and global beneficiaries of U.S. aid in limbo.
Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington
From USAID to the U.S. federal payment system, Musk is spearheading plans to audit and cut multiple government agencies
time.com
Trump turns on Time after new cover shows Musk sitting behind his Resolute desk
Just months ago, Trump was crowing about being named the magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year
www.independent.co.uk
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Trump mocks Time magazine, suggests he didn’t know it was ‘still in business,’ in response to Elon Musk cover
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www.foxnews.com
President Trump Mocks Time Magazine After Elon Musk Cover
President Trump mocked Time Magazine on Friday when asked about its latest cover showing Elon Musk sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office
www.c-span.org