Musk defends DOGE productivity email to federal employees: ‘Do you have a pulse?’

President Donald Trump made a bold move by inviting Elon Musk to speak at the top of the first full Cabinet meeting to discuss the progress made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, known for his innovative work in the tech industry, stood in his signature black suit jacket with a T-shirt underneath as he addressed the media and provided insights into the work being done by DOGE.
During the meeting, Musk clarified that the primary focus of the DOGE team is to fix the outdated government computer systems, which are riddled with errors. He humorously referred to the team as “humble tech support heroes” and emphasized the importance of their role in improving efficiency within the government. Musk highlighted the challenges posed by the antiquated systems and stressed the need for technological upgrades to streamline operations.
One of the key topics of discussion was a recent email sent to government employees, in which they were asked to provide a bullet-point list of their work accomplishments from the previous week. Musk defended the email, stating that it was intended as a “pulse check review” rather than a performance evaluation. He emphasized that the task was simple and should be easily achievable by all employees.
Musk also raised concerns about the presence of “dead” or fictitious individuals on the government payroll, hinting at potential instances of fraud or inefficiency. He underscored the importance of ensuring that all employees are actively contributing to the workforce and are capable of fulfilling their duties.
In his address, Musk highlighted the pressing need to address the growing national deficit, which he described as unsustainable. He warned that the country could face bankruptcy if the current financial trajectory continues unchecked. Musk expressed confidence in the DOGE team’s ability to find $1 trillion in savings, which would represent a significant reduction in the overall budget.
Despite facing criticism and even death threats for his role in spearheading these efforts, Musk remained resolute in his commitment to fiscal responsibility. He called on Cabinet members to support the DOGE team in their mission to achieve deficit reduction and secure the financial stability of the country.
In conclusion, Musk emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged swift action to address the mounting deficit. He expressed optimism about the possibility of achieving significant savings and thanked the Cabinet for their support in this critical endeavor. The meeting concluded with a sense of determination and resolve to tackle the financial challenges facing the nation head-on.