Elon Musk Warns US of Impending Bankruptcy Without Major Government Cuts
"The people voted for government reform, and that’s exactly what they will get," says Musk
WASHINGTON: Elon Musk made his first official White House appearance alongside US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, unveiling aggressive plans to curb government spending. However, the spotlight briefly shifted when his young son stole the moment.
Wearing a black "Make America Great Again" cap, a black t-shirt, and a sleek overcoat, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO addressed reporters in the Oval Office while President Trump sat behind the iconic Resolute Desk.
Tasked by Trump to spearhead federal cost-cutting efforts through his newly established "DOGE" agency—short for the Department of Government Efficiency—Musk issued a stark warning: the United States risks going "bankrupt" without immediate fiscal discipline.
Dismissing accusations of opacity and potential conflicts of interest, Musk acknowledged he would make "mistakes" but insisted his primary target was dismantling the power of an "unelected" bureaucracy.
Trump signed an executive order granting DOGE expanded authority, enabling department heads to enforce stringent budget reductions—an initiative that has already sent shockwaves across the nation.
While critics argue that Musk’s sweeping budget cuts dangerously consolidate power in the presidency, the billionaire entrepreneur had a different concern, albeit briefly.
"Gravitas Can Be Difficult"
"Gravitas can be difficult sometimes," Musk quipped as his young son, X Æ A-Xii, fidgeted and murmured throughout the speech.
At one point, the boy, clad in a tan overcoat, knelt beside Trump’s desk while his father’s remarks stretched past the half-hour mark.
As Musk discussed the nation’s consumer debt crisis, X Æ A-Xii nonchalantly picked his nose.
This unconventional moment was fitting for Musk, whose eccentricity was a key reason Trump appointed him to lead the federal government overhaul.
Musk, Trump’s biggest campaign donor with a staggering $250 million contribution, has assembled a team of elite engineers to drive an unprecedented efficiency program.
His drastic reforms have already shuttered select federal agencies, forcing widespread layoffs and igniting legal battles nationwide amid allegations of unconstitutional overreach.
When asked about his "detractors," Musk smirked, "I have detractors? I don’t believe it," before affirming that Trump’s electoral victory provided "an undeniable mandate for government reform."
The "Unelected" Debate
Musk’s crackdown on the "unelected" bureaucracy has sparked accusations of hypocrisy, given his own unelected position with immense authority—yet this press event marked his first formal media interaction since Trump’s return to office.
The billionaire has also faced scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, as SpaceX holds multibillion-dollar contracts with the same government Musk is restructuring.
Brushing off criticisms, Musk emphasized transparency, stating, "It’s not like I think I can get away with something—I’m under nonstop scrutiny."
Ironically, as he spoke on transparency, the Associated Press reported that its White House correspondent was barred from the event due to the agency’s refusal to comply with Trump’s directive renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
Following Musk’s speech, Trump took the podium, commending Musk’s efforts before launching into an extended tirade against US judges blocking their initiatives.
This raised the question: how does the Oval Office accommodate two dominant figures known for their strong personalities?
Time Magazine’s latest cover featuring Musk at the Resolute Desk stirred controversy.
However, Musk made it clear who was in charge. "I check frequently with the president to ensure this aligns with his vision. We talk almost every day," he assured.
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