In a high-profile appearance at former President Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, billionaire entrepreneur and X owner Elon Musk declared his commitment to tackling government waste, estimating that he could cut at least $2 trillion from the U.S. budget. Musk’s appearance comes after Trump announced his plan to appoint Musk to lead a government efficiency commission if re-elected, an offer Musk enthusiastically embraced on stage.
Taking the stage with the confident energy he’s known for, Musk launched into his vision for trimming government excess, particularly in light of the estimated $6.5 trillion budget proposed by the Harris-Biden administration. Musk remarked that such high levels of government spending are an undue burden on American taxpayers, who ultimately bear the brunt of unchecked federal expenditures.
“How much do you think we can rip out of this wasted $6.5 trillion Harris-Biden budget?” Musk was asked, as he stood before an audience of Trump supporters and media.
“Well, I think we can do at least $2 trillion,” Musk responded without hesitation, drawing cheers from the crowd. “At the end of the day, you’re being taxed—whether directly or through inflation caused by excessive spending. That’s your money, and a massive amount of it is being wasted. The Department of Government Efficiency is going to fix that.”
Musk’s appointment to lead a government efficiency commission has sparked a significant amount of interest, with supporters of Trump’s campaign seeing it as a fresh approach to reining in government costs. By selecting Musk, Trump taps into a business mindset known for eliminating inefficiencies and prioritizing results. Musk himself has a proven track record in this arena. As the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Musk has been at the forefront of applying lean operations to traditionally bureaucratic industries, such as space exploration and automotive manufacturing.
This proposed “Department of Government Efficiency” has generated both excitement and questions. Some critics question whether Musk’s business approach would work in the intricate web of government agencies, where budgetary processes and regulations differ vastly from those in the private sector. However, Musk supporters argue that his outsider perspective may be just what’s needed to reform government spending.
Musk continued his speech by focusing on the broader philosophy of government spending and taxation, arguing that every dollar spent by the government ultimately affects the public, whether directly through taxation or indirectly through inflation. “Your money is being wasted,” he stated emphatically. “And the Department of Government Efficiency is going to fix that.” Musk added that his goal was not just cost-cutting for the sake of it, but rather making government serve its citizens efficiently and respectfully.
Throughout his comments, Musk emphasized his belief in individual freedom and the need to reduce government interference in the everyday lives of Americans. “We’re going to get the government off your back and out of your pocketbook,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of economic freedom and personal responsibility.
Since his acquisition of X (formerly Twitter), Musk has been a controversial yet influential voice, often using his platform to engage in public debates on a range of issues, including government spending. His experience managing the platform and reducing its operating costs has made him a prominent figure in discussions about organizational efficiency. Musk claims that his overhaul of X’s budget has saved the company millions by prioritizing essential functions and cutting non-productive expenditures—a model he suggests could be scaled to the federal government.
This isn’t the first time Musk has ventured into political debates. From discussions on artificial intelligence and environmental policy to criticisms of subsidies and bureaucratic red tape, Musk has voiced his opinion on the need for smarter, streamlined governance. His recent advocacy for budget cuts aligns with his long-standing views on the role of government and his aversion to wasteful spending.
Trump’s endorsement of Musk for this new commission underscores a trend among conservative leaders seeking to partner with business leaders in an attempt to reduce the federal government’s scope and spending. Many of Trump’s supporters are receptive to Musk’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to finances, believing that a businessman’s perspective is necessary to address the complexities of government overspending.
However, while Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives have proven effective in corporate settings, translating these practices to federal governance presents a different challenge. Many departments have deeply ingrained systems, legally mandated processes, and funding obligations that require careful navigation. Skeptics argue that budget reform within government requires more than a business strategy and must account for the government’s unique responsibilities, including social services, defense, and infrastructure.
As Trump’s campaign presses forward, Musk’s proposed government efficiency commission will likely be a centerpiece in the discussion around fiscal reform, appealing to voters eager for budget cuts and lower taxes. For now, Musk’s statements provide a glimpse into a future where government functions like a well-oiled machine under business-minded management.
Regardless of one’s stance on Musk’s qualifications for the role, his bold proposal to cut $2 trillion in government waste has certainly captured public attention, marking a significant point in Trump’s campaign narrative around fiscal responsibility and government reform.
