Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday that the world’s richest man will lead a new “efficiency” team in the US governmentcharged with reducing federal waste. Meanwhile, the president-elect has added a number of hardline figures to his incoming administration.
Musk became a key ally of Trump during his campaign, reportedly spending more than $100 million to help Republicans winand repeatedly promoting Trump’s candidacy on X, the platform he owns. Trump said Musk and another staunch ally, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead a “Department for Government Effectiveness (DOGE),” an ironic reference to an Internet meme and a cryptocurrency.
“Together, these two wonderful Americans will lead the way in my administration dismantle government bureaucracycut excessive regulations, cut unnecessary spending and restructure federal agencies,” Trump said in a statement. He also explained that the Department “will offer advice and guidance from outside government”a measure that could allow Musk to avoid revealing his financial holdings.
Authoritarians don’t like this
The practice of professional and critical journalism is a fundamental pillar of democracy. This is why it bothers those who believe they are the holders of the truth.
In a post on X, Musk postulated this The Department’s actions will be published on the internet “to achieve maximum transparency” and will include a “ranking for the most incredibly stupid expenditures of your tax money.” “It will be extremely tragic and extremely funny”wrote the South African tycoon.
Trump, 78, plans to return triumphantly to Washington on Wednesday and will meet with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office. He may also visit the US Capitol, where his party has won a narrow majority in the Senate and is poised to maintain control of the House of Representatives.
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Just over two months after taking office, Trump is moving quickly to consolidate an extraordinary comeback. Governments around the world are carefully scrutinizing Trump’s election for signs of the extent to which the incoming administration will deliver on its promises. promises of an isolationist foreign policyharsh repressive measures against illegal immigration and persecution of people perceived as enemies.
For his part, Javier Miley He announced yesterday that “in the United States they have already noticed it and are copying our model”. “Indeed Elon Musk spoke with Federico Sturzenegger see how to deregulate the American economy,” he said. In front of the general secretary of the Presidency, Karina Milei, he joked: “The ‘get out!’ and the chainsaw are export products and are part of the Country brand, so pay attention, boss.”
Donald Trump’s intransigent government
On Tuesday night, Trump nominated the military veteran and talk show host Fox News, Pete Hegseth, as his Secretary of Defense “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are warned: Our military will be great again, and America will never go back,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, US media reported that the Florida senator, Marco Rubio would be nominated for the key position of Secretary of State. Trump separately nominated as a member of Congress Mike Waltza former special forces officer, like yours safety advisor on the way national. Waltz has tough views on China but is not considered an isolationist, despite the desire in some Trump circles for the United States to withdraw from its foreign commitments and reduce its obligations to allies such as NATO.
Trump also announced that he will choose his former director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, head of the Central Intelligence Agency. Domestically, Trump has signaled that he will sustain his extreme campaign rhetoric aimed at generating fear and anger against illegal immigrants ahead of promised mass deportations.
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His positions include governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem, as Secretary of Homeland Securitythe veteran and uncompromising immigration official Tom Homan as “Border Czar” Yes Stephen Miller – author of Trump’s so-called “Muslim ban” immigration policy – as his powerful deputy chief of staff.
Trump also chose Lee Zeldin leads the Environmental Protection Agencywith a mandate to reduce climate and pollution regulations. The congresswoman from New York Elisa Stefanika proud ally of Trump and staunchly pro-Israel, received the approval ambassador to the UNTrump’s transition team said. Another fervently pro-Israel figure, former governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee has been appointed ambassador to Israel.
Let’s go back to the Oval Office
Biden’s invitation to the Oval Office restores a tradition presidential transition plan that Trump rejected when he lost the 2020 election, refusing to sit down with Biden or even attend the inauguration. By the time Trump left the White House on January 20, 2021, he had been repudiated even by many in his own party. for encouraging a mob to storm the U.S. Capitol.
The period of disgrace soon faded, however, as Republicans returned to Trump’s side, recognizing his unique electoral strength at the forefront of the far-right movement that has now returned him to power. While many of his Cabinet appointments require Senate approval, Trump is trying to get around this oversight imposing so-called withdrawal appointments.
Interview: Time.News Editor with Government Efficiency Expert
Time.News Editor: Thank you for joining us today. I’m excited to discuss the recent announcement that Elon Musk will lead a new team aimed at reducing federal waste in the U.S. government. As an expert in governmental efficiency, how do you view Musk’s appointment, especially considering his background in tech and innovation?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Musk’s appointment is certainly intriguing. His track record with companies like Tesla and SpaceX reveals his ability to innovate and streamline operations. However, applying those principles to government—where the stakes are incredibly high—requires a different skill set. Government isn’t a startup; it has social responsibilities and legal frameworks that must be adhered to.
Time.News Editor: That’s a fair point. Trump’s proposal for the new Department for Government Effectiveness, cleverly named DOGE, aims to dismantle bureaucracy and excessive regulations. In your opinion, is this the right approach to improve government efficiency?
Expert: The challenge here lies in the balance between reducing bureaucracy and ensuring that essential checks and balances remain. While excessive regulation can hinder efficiency, a certain level of structure is necessary for accountability, especially in financial matters. The idea of outside advice could bring fresh perspectives, but it also raises questions about transparency and influence, particularly with someone like Musk potentially having conflicts of interest.
Time.News Editor: Regarding Musk’s statement about publishing the Department’s actions online for transparency, do you see this as a genuine effort to reduce federal waste, or more as a gimmick to gain public favor?
Expert: Transparency is crucial in governance. However, whether this initiative will translate into real accountability depends on its execution. If the purpose is merely to create a spectacle of “exposing” waste without meaningful changes behind the scenes, it risks becoming a media show rather than a tool for effective reform. The focus should be on actionable outcomes, rather than just entertainment.
Time.News Editor: It sounds like you’re advocating for a more substantial reform approach rather than just a flashy one. Transitioning to Trump’s administration, what are your thoughts on the implications of appointing hardline figures like Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio to key positions?
Expert: Appointing hardline figures suggests a commitment to a stringent approach to governance, especially in maintaining national security and immigration policies. While strong leadership can indeed foster decisive action, it may alienate moderate voices and complicate bipartisan efforts. Balancing these perspectives will be critical in navigating the complexities of governance, especially given the divided political climate in the U.S.
Time.News Editor: Absolutely, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. With Trump’s return to power and his promises of mass deportations and regulation cuts, how do you foresee this affecting federal agencies and their ability to function effectively?
Expert: It could create a culture of fear within agencies that must enforce these policies, which risks efficiency. Employees might focus more on compliance with political directives rather than on delivering services effectively. Furthermore, if resources are reallocated toward enforcement rather than service delivery, we might see adverse effects on programs that actually benefit citizens.
Time.News Editor: Such a polarizing environment certainly challenges effective governance. How do you think the global community is responding to these changes, especially in light of Trump’s isolationist foreign policy approach?
Expert: Trump’s isolationist stance could cause ripples globally, leading allies to reassess their relationships with the U.S. The Financial Times warning of a “global devaluation” post-Trump could hint at economic instability if international partnerships weaken. Moreover, key players like China may recalibrate their strategies in response to an increasingly unilateral U.S. position.
Time.News Editor: Thank you for your insight. what would you suggest as the best way forward for the new administration in terms of enhancing government efficiency while maintaining transparency and public trust?
Expert: The new administration should prioritize a collaborative approach that involves key stakeholders in the discussion about efficiency. Engaging the public and incorporating their feedback can enhance transparency. Additionally, setting clear, measurable goals for waste reduction and creating mechanisms for accountability can help ensure that the promise of reform translates into real change.
Time.News Editor: Thank you for your thoughtful responses. It’s clear that the path ahead is complex, and we appreciate your expertise in navigating these challenges.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for the U.S., and ensuring efficient governance while respecting democratic principles will be paramount.