Musk’s next target? Trump says DOGE will look at Department of Education, Pentagon funding

President Donald Trump has taken a bold step in his efforts to cut wasteful government spending by tasking SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, known for his innovative approach to problem-solving, has been given the responsibility of evaluating spending at the Department of Education and the Pentagon.

During a press conference, Trump expressed his confidence in Musk’s ability to identify inefficiencies and streamline operations in these key government agencies. The President emphasized the need to eliminate waste and improve efficiency in order to make the government more accountable to taxpayers.

One of the first targets of DOGE has been the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has come under scrutiny for its spending practices. Musk, in an audio message, announced plans to shut down USAID, citing corruption and lack of alignment with national interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is now overseeing the agency, echoed Musk’s concerns and emphasized the need for transparency in how taxpayer dollars are being used.

DOGE has set an ambitious goal of cutting $2 trillion from the federal government budget through cost-saving measures. Musk’s involvement in governmental affairs has raised some eyebrows, with Senate Democrats accusing DOGE of a “hostile takeover.” However, Musk remains focused on achieving the President’s mandate of reducing government spending.

The Department of Education and the Department of Defense, two agencies with significant budgets, are among the key areas of focus for DOGE. Trump has signaled his intention to streamline the Department of Education and has appointed Linda McMahon, former CEO of WWE, to lead the agency. However, Trump has also expressed his desire to eventually eliminate the Department of Education altogether, emphasizing his belief in school choice and decentralized education management.

As DOGE continues its work to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, Musk’s leadership will be crucial in driving efficiency and accountability in government operations. With his innovative approach and determination to cut costs, Musk is poised to make a significant impact on government efficiency and budget management.