February 12, 2025
The people voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get. … And that’s what democracy is all about.
Elon Musk speaking with reporters at the White House on Tuesday as President Trump signed a new executive order expanding the role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
What Happened: Accompanied by his young son, Elon Musk joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office for the signing of an executive order further outlining how federal agencies will consult with DOGE to reduce the size of the federal workforce. The order also states that the approval of DOGE is required for most federal hiring decisions. Exempted from this order are roles related to national security and public safety.
Why It Matters: This marks the first time Elon Musk has addressed reporters regarding DOGE, a department created through an executive order by President Trump and overseen by Musk. The department has faced criticism as well as recent lawsuits related to its methods in identifying and correcting government inefficiencies.
What Is DOGE? The department was created through an executive order by President Trump to “maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.” (White House) As the leader of DOGE, Elon Musk is considered by the White House as a “Special Government Employee,” which is defined as “an officer or employee in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government who is appointed to perform important, but limited, services to the Government, with or without compensation, for a period not to exceed 130 days during any period of 365 consecutive days.” (Department of the Interior)
Watch: President Trump and Elon Musk Speak to Reporters About DOGE Efforts (CSPAN)
Read More: Musk appears at White House defending DOGE’s work but acknowledging mistakes (AP)
READ the Executive Order: Implementing The President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative (White House)
Image Credit: White House
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
