Elon Musk is leading cost-cutting efforts within the Trump administration, using a team of computer specialists to analyze government spending and identify potential reductions. Democrats have raised concerns about Musk's access to sensitive taxpayer data and payment systems, introducing legislation to protect such information. Trump defended Musk's work, claiming the administration lacks adequate security measures and that Musk's team can easily access personal data. The controversy has reignited debates about government spending, social safety nets, and the role of private sector involvement in public administration.
Musk is leading Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency cost-cutting efforts, using a team of computer whizzes to access government agencies and payment systems to look for programs and people to cut off the payroll.
Trump on Friday acknowledged that Musk and his DOGE team can access taxpayers’ personal information and Social Security numbers quite easily.“It doesn’t, but they get it very easily,” Trump replied. “And we don’t have very good security in our country, and they get it very easily.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries placed the blame for Musk’s overreaching authority on Republicans, asking them why they are not concerned about bureaucratic involvement in personal data.
ELON MUSK DONALD TRUMP GOVERNMENT SPENDING DATA PROTECTION SOCIAL SECURITY
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Appoints Musk and Ramaswamy to Lead Cost-Cutting CommissionPresident Donald Trump has appointed billionaire Elon Musk and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to lead DOGE, a task force focused on cutting government programs and regulations. Ramaswamy's departure from the commission is due to his impending run for elected office. Musk's involvement has raised ethical concerns due to SpaceX's defense contracts and potential conflicts of interest.
Read more »
Trump Praises Elon Musk's Cost-Cutting Measures at USAID Amidst Spending ControversyFormer President Trump lauds Elon Musk's efforts to curb federal spending, particularly within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Musk's review of USAID has revealed significant waste and questionable spending practices, leading to criticism from both sides of the aisle. While Trump supports Musk's initiative, some Democrats vehemently oppose his efforts, accusing him of targeting essential programs and invoking comparisons to apartheid. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate regarding the allocation and effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid.
Read more »
Elon Musk plans to shut down USAID in government cost-cutting driveTrump administration also removed two top security officials at USAID during the weekend after they tried to stop representatives from the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from gaining access to restricted areas
Read more »
Musk says USAID to be shut down in government cost-cutting driveThe Trump administration over the weekend put on administrative leave dozens more staff at U.S. Agency for International Development, three sources familiar with the move said.
Read more »
USAID Faces Shutdown as Musk-Led DOGE Implements Cost-Cutting MeasuresThe United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is effectively shutting down as Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) implements sweeping cost-cutting measures. The agency's staff, both domestically and overseas, have been placed on leave, facing the possibility of layoffs and furloughs. Musk, who has labeled USAID a 'criminal organization', aims to downsize the agency and potentially integrate it within the State Department. The abrupt recall of overseas staff raises concerns about logistical challenges, financial burdens, and the disruption of vital services provided by USAID.
Read more »
Musk's Cost-Cutting Staffer Resigns After Racist Social Media Posts ResurfaceMarko Elez, a key staffer on Elon Musk's federal cost-cutting initiative, resigned Thursday following the discovery of past racist posts from his social media accounts. The posts, which advocated for racism, eugenics, and hostility towards Indian software engineers, were reported on by The Wall Street Journal and NPR.
Read more »