AssetID: 54507946
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: White House Power Shift: Musk's Expanding Role Faces Scrutiny
Caption: White House Power Shift: Musk’s Expanding Role Faces Scrutiny. In a surprise White House appearance, Elon Musk dismissed claims that he is leading a "hostile takeover" of the US government, BBC News reports. Standing beside President Donald Trump, he defended his cost-cutting reforms and insisted they align with the will of the people. Trump signed an executive order giving Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) more power to downsize the federal government. The order directs all agency heads to comply with Doge’s initiatives, sparking backlash from Democrats. The billionaire entrepreneur justified sweeping government cuts, describing them as "not draconian or radical" but necessary for financial stability. ”The people voted for major reform, and that’s what they’re getting," he told reporters. Democratic lawmakers argue that Musk's unelected role poses a threat to transparency. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently warned of an "unelected shadow government" and vowed to introduce legislative roadblocks. Musk took aim at government employees, calling them an "unelected, fourth, unconstitutional branch of government" with too much power. Wearing a MAGA cap, he joked with reporters while carrying his son, X Æ A-Xii, on his shoulders. Doge has already halted funding for federal agencies, frozen hiring, and initiated worker buyouts. Trump claimed, without evidence, that over $1 trillion in wasteful spending would be uncovered. Efforts to shrink the government are facing legal hurdles, with courts temporarily blocking major layoffs and funding freezes. Trump expressed frustration, hoping the judicial system would allow the cuts to proceed. Critics have pointed to Musk’s various business interests, questioning whether his role in reshaping government policy presents conflicts of interest. Trump dismissed concerns, stating that any conflicts would be addressed internally. A CBS News poll found that while a majority of Americans back reducing federal spending, opinions on Musk’s level of influence are divided. Republicans largely support his role, while many Americans want Trump to focus more on lowering costs. One of the hardest-hit agencies is USAID, which faces massive staff cuts and funding reductions. The agency’s inspector general was fired just a day after releasing a report criticizing the planned shutdown of global aid programs. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Donald Trump,Elon Musk,Department of Government Effiiency,DOGE,Scrutiny,White House,US,United States,President,People,Cost-Cutting,Reforms,Transparency,Politics,Republicans,Federal,Agencies,Budgets,Senate,Minority Leader,Chuck Schumer,MAGA,Layoffs,Funding,Freezes,USAID
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