Trump suggests Musk needs to be 'more aggressive'
President Trump suggested in a new post that tech billionaire Elon Musk, one of his closest allies, needs to be “more aggressive" — presumably referring to his efforts to slash spending, downsize the federal workforce and eviscerate fraud via the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“ELON IS DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM GET MORE AGGRESSIVE,” Trump wrote Saturday in a post on Truth Social. “REMEMBER, WE HAVE A COUNTRY TO SAVE, BUT ULTIMATELY, TO MAKE GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. MAGA!”
The billionaire replied to Trump's subsequent post on social platform X: "Will do, Mr. President."
Musk, who leads six major companies, and DOGE staffers have gone after several federal agencies over the past month looking to overhaul the federal workforce — including initiatives that would nearly dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Education Department. The commission said earlier this week that it saved the government $55 billion by canceling grants, selling assets, reducing teams and by axing contracts and leases.
The Trump administration has offered buyouts to many civil service workers. So far, more than 75,000 government employees have accepted the offer.
DOGE has been under fire from Democrats and various organizations for the actions it's taken during the president's first month back in office. Critics have urged the advisory board to shed more transparency into their conduct.
The group has faced lawsuits, with 14 states saying the board’s cuts are unconstitutional, and others questioning the commission's access to payment systems at the Treasury Department, which has since been blocked.
Musk's influence over the administration has also been under the microscope, with many citing his potential conflicts of interest.
Trump has consistently defended Musk, whom he recently called a “patriot.”
“I’m just hearing about it and if there is … obviously I will not let there be any conflict of interest. He’s done an amazing job,” he said earlier this week. “I told Elon, any conflicts you can’t have anything to do with that. So, anything to do with possibly even space, we won’t let Elon partake in that.”
The president and White House have also suggested Musk is not actually part of DOGE. Instead, he is considered a senior adviser to Trump and a “White House Office” employee, a court filing from the White House Office of Administration shows.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has “has no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself," Joshua Fisher, the director of the office, wrote.
Musk defended DOGE’s work during a briefing alongside Trump earlier this month, emphasizing that voters “voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get.”
Trump lauded the tech entrepreneur in early February for doing a “very good job” and predicted that DOGE’s aides would discover more fraud and waste within the government.
“He’s got a staff that’s fantastic, he’s wanted to be able to do this for a long time,” the president said. “I think we’re going to be very close to balancing budgets for the first time for many years.”
-
Trump touts DOGE cuts at CPAC as he tells Elon Musk to 'get more aggressive'
Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks today at the Conservative Political Action Conference. He's spoken at the conference every year since 2016.NBC News - 8h -
In foreign policy, Trump needs to be more like Reagan, less like Biden
The Biden administration's reluctance to take action against Russia in Ukraine has been criticized, while Trump's new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made similar rookie mistakes, potentially ...The Hill - 2h -
Trump Falsely Suggests Ukraine Is to Blame for the War: What to Know
A look at how the war in Ukraine began, the state of the peace talks and why the country isn’t holding elections.The New York Times - 3d -
Europe’s elite fears Trump, Musk and the truth
The EU's ruling class has become fanatical in its desire to censor.The Hill - 1d -
Haberman: Trump, advisers see Musk as 'useful heat shield' for criticism
New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman says President Trump and his advisers have identified tech giant Elon Musk as a “useful heat shield” for criticism on his administration's ...The Hill - 1d -
Trump’s Crypto Love Affair Is Blossoming as Musk’s DOGE Reins In Regulators
Lawsuits are being dropped in the friendlier regulatory environment, while officials investigating Musk’s companies are getting DOGE’d.Inc. - 1d -
GOP lawmakers confronted by constituents angry about Trump-Musk cuts
Republican lawmakers have faced backlash at town halls and other events in their districts in recent days.CBS News - 1d -
Trump, Musk take victory lap at CPAC: 5 takeaways
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—President Trump took a victory lap at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this week after his resounding general election victory in November. The annual event ...The Hill - 57m -
Roy Wood Jr. on Trump, unity, personal connection and more
Comedian Roy Wood Jr., host of "Have I Got News For You," joined CBS News to discuss President Trump, his latest comedy special, the state of the world and more.CBS News - 1d -
Under Trump, D.C. Faces More Federal Control, Fewer Federal Workers
The Washington region is bracing for a shock to the local economy from President Trump and Elon Musk’s sweeping cuts to the government work force.The New York Times - 1d -
Viktor Orbán's political director on Trump, Bannon's CPAC salute and more
Many well-known figures in conservative politics are delivering remarks at this year's CPAC, and not all are from the U.S. Balázs Orbán, political director and adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister ...CBS News - 22h -
Frustrated Democrats Urge Leaders to Show More Fight Against Trump
Voters, activists and even some governors, like Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, are growing exasperated with congressional Democrats’ restrained approach.The New York Times - 12h -
Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump pushes agenda, praises Musk at CPAC
President Donald Trump's administration is continuing its radical effort to cut much of the federal government and make sweeping changes.ABC News - 1m -
Alibaba shares jump 14% after pledge to invest ‘aggressively’ in AI
Chinese tech group says it will spend more on artificial intelligence in next three years than over past decadeFinancial Times - 1d -
Boosted by Musk and Trump, German far-right party looks likely to make historic gains
It is a pivotal moment for Germany's far-right AfD ahead of national elections Sunday. The party is polling at 21% — likely enough for second place.NBC News - 1d -
At town halls, Republicans feel the heat from Trump and Musk's firing and cutting spree
Republicans members of Congress who held town halls back home this week got an earful from constituents upset about Donald Trump and Elon Musk's firing spree.NBC News - 1d -
Trump to sign more executive orders today, despite legal pushback on several of his directives
Trump is slated to sign more executive orders this afternoon. Several of his directives have already faced pushback during his first month in office.NBC News - 1d -
Dairy Workers May Have Passed Bird Flu to Pet Cats, CDC Study Suggests
But the study, whose publication was delayed by a pause in public communications by the agency, leaves key questions unanswered.The New York Times - 2d -
Need a New Roof Fast? This Company Can Help
Two industry outsiders say they’re the first to bring the roof-buying process online.Inc. - 1d -
Elon Musk Zeroes In on the I.R.S.
The tech mogul’s cost-cutting initiative is seeking sensitive taxpayer data, drawing concerns about privacy, potential political retribution and more.The New York Times - 4d -
Musk, a chainsaw and an adoring crowd
Welcome to The Hill's Technology newsletter {beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story Musk's rock star chainsaw moment at CPAC Tech billionaire Elon Musk was one of the main attractions at ...The Hill - 23h -
How to watch the 2025 SAG Awards and everything else you need to know
The 2025 SAG Awards are almost here. From how to watch the ceremony to who's nominated, here's everything you need to know about the show.Los Angeles Times - 1d -
The Erinsborough asteroid attack! Now that Neighbours is doomed, it needs to end with a bang
After the Austalian soap’s previous false ending, it’s almost impossible to imagine it getting a second starry finale – or it finding a new home. This time, its farewell needs to stick. It’s always ...The Guardian - 1d -
The Independent Spirit Awards are today. Here’s everything you need to know
Oscar nominees like Mikey Madison, Demi Moore and Sebastian Stan will be making a stop by the beach for the Film Independent Spirit Awards where all are up for acting awardsABC News - 17h -
We need to talk about the F word (‘friction’ in enterprise, that is)
Only by bringing friction back into the conversation can we responsibly build out new technologies with growth potential and staying power.VentureBeat - 1h -
Are planes crashing more often?
A recent flurry of air disasters have made some people worried about flying - but are crashes on the rise?BBC News - 21h -
The Showdown Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman
This week, the Uncanny Valley hosts discuss the lawsuits, bidding wars, and power plays over OpenAI.Wired - 2d -
Elon Musk Is Focused on DOGE. What About Tesla?
Mr. Musk, one of President Trump’s main advisers, has not outlined a plan to reverse falling sales at the electric car company of which he is chief executive.The New York Times - 2d -
5 takeaways from Musk's CPAC talk
Elon Musk served as one of the main attractions at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday evening with a late-scheduled appearance that saw him wield a chainsaw and discuss ...The Hill - 1d -
Elon Musk waves 'bureaucracy chainsaw' gifted by Argentina
Argentina's president gifted Elon Musk a chainsaw to symbolise cuts to bureaucracy.BBC News - 1d -
Musk boasts federal cuts by hoisting chainsaw at conference
Elon Musk drives home his rapid shredding of the federal government by hoisting a chainsaw representing the slashing of jobs and spending during a conference. Some Republicans are facing pushback ...NBC News - 1d -
DOJ dropping immigration case against Musk's SpaceX
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday it is planning to drop its lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceX, which alleged the company discriminated against refugees and asylees during the hiring ...The Hill - 1d -
Elon Musk becomes a new power center at CPAC
Elon Musk stole the show at CPAC, a surprise guest who wielded a chainsaw to symbolize his government cuts.NBC News - 1d -
Musk wields his Doge chainsaw - but is a backlash brewing?
Facing constituents angry about the impact of sweeping government job cuts, some Republicans are expressing concern.BBC News - 1d -
Here Are the Digital Clues to What Musk Is Really Up To
What will DOGE do with access to personal data on almost all Americans?The New York Times - 1d -
Do Elon Musk and His Father Get Along?
Errol Musk questioned his son’s parenting ability on a podcast, but said that his comments had been taken out of context and that they were on good terms.The New York Times - 1d -
What Musk’s Chain Saw at CPAC Was Really About
Waving a chain saw onstage at CPAC, Elon Musk showed how he has emulated a right-wing leader.The New York Times - 22h -
Texas measles cases are up, and New Mexico now has an outbreak. Here's what you need to know
The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has grown to 58 cases as of TuesdayABC News - 4d -
The coaches show: HC and OC changes you need to know this offseason | Yahoo Fantasy Forecast
It's the show we've been promising for awhile: The coaches show! Matt Harmon and Nate Tice go over every single head coach and offensive coordinator change this offseason and what impacts they will ...Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from The Hill
-
Trump, Musk take victory lap at CPAC: 5 takeaways
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—President Trump took a victory lap at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this week after his resounding general election victory in November. The annual event ...The Hill - 57m -
Stephen A. Smith brushes off Carville attack: ‘You sound like one of those old curmudgeons’
Stephen A. Smith brushed off Democratic strategist James Carville's recent criticism as the two continue their word battle regarding comments about the 2028 presidential election after Carville ...The Hill - 1h -
Sunday shows preview: Trump workforce cuts, Ukraine-Russia rhetoric have world on edge
President Trump’s agenda is in full effect with numerous cuts to the federal workforce and Pentagon staff rounding out his objective to slash government spending with a focus on stark reform. One ...The Hill - 2h -
Trump chides Maine governor at CPAC after clash at White House
National Harbor, Md. – President Trump chided Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday after the two clashed the day before at the White House ...The Hill - 2h -
In foreign policy, Trump needs to be more like Reagan, less like Biden
The Biden administration's reluctance to take action against Russia in Ukraine has been criticized, while Trump's new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made similar rookie mistakes, potentially ...The Hill - 2h
More in Politics
-
Trump, Musk take victory lap at CPAC: 5 takeaways
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—President Trump took a victory lap at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this week after his resounding general election victory in November. The annual event ...The Hill - 57m -
Stephen A. Smith brushes off Carville attack: ‘You sound like one of those old curmudgeons’
Stephen A. Smith brushed off Democratic strategist James Carville's recent criticism as the two continue their word battle regarding comments about the 2028 presidential election after Carville ...The Hill - 1h -
Sunday shows preview: Trump workforce cuts, Ukraine-Russia rhetoric have world on edge
President Trump’s agenda is in full effect with numerous cuts to the federal workforce and Pentagon staff rounding out his objective to slash government spending with a focus on stark reform. One ...The Hill - 2h -
Trump chides Maine governor at CPAC after clash at White House
National Harbor, Md. – President Trump chided Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday after the two clashed the day before at the White House ...The Hill - 2h -
In foreign policy, Trump needs to be more like Reagan, less like Biden
The Biden administration's reluctance to take action against Russia in Ukraine has been criticized, while Trump's new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made similar rookie mistakes, potentially ...The Hill - 2h