WATCH: Hannity interviews President Trump and Elon Musk

THE NEWS

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk—who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—appeared together on Fox News’ “Hannity” to defend their sweeping overhaul of federal agencies.

They dismissed claims that Musk’s role violates constitutional requirements, arguing that he is merely an advisor executing the people’s will through the president.

While Democrats accuse Musk of exercising unchecked power and initiating mass layoffs, the White House maintains that he holds a special government employee status, not requiring Senate confirmation.

Both Trump and Musk have pledged to slash massive amounts of federal spending, aiming for a $1 trillion reduction to curb what they consider rampant waste.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Musk Blames Federal Bureaucracy for Democratic Criticism

• Musk argued that “if the bureaucracy is fighting the will of the people,” then it’s not a democracy but “a bureaucracy.”

• He contended Democrats’ claims of a constitutional crisis are hypocritical, noting they’re essentially doing what they accuse Trump and DOGE of doing.

Trump Praises Musk’s Accomplishments and Intelligence

• The president cited Musk’s breakthrough in recovering rocket boosters as an example of his genius.

• Trump noted that implementing executive orders often stalls without someone like Musk and his “100 geniuses” at DOGE to drive them forward.

Assassination Attempt Accelerated Musk’s Support

• Musk revealed that an attempt on Trump’s life in Butler, Pa., prompted him to endorse Trump sooner in 2024.

• Trump appeared surprised by the admission, saying he didn’t previously know Musk’s timeline for endorsing him.

$1 Trillion in Potential Government Cuts

• Trump believes Musk can uncover at least $1 trillion in wasteful spending, following DOGE’s discovery of $55 billion in just one month.

• Musk warned the nation risks “bankruptcy” unless the deficit is brought under control, indicating he aims to pay down U.S. debt by rooting out “massive waste, fraud and abuse.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Ongoing court battles will determine whether DOGE retains unrestricted power to restructure federal agencies and dismiss employees.

Should the courts uphold Musk’s position, expect more rapid agency reforms and intensified budget cuts, fueling further tension between the administration and federal workers.

If lawsuits succeed in limiting Musk’s authority, DOGE’s sweeping changes could be slowed or halted.

In the meantime, Trump and Musk appear committed to their partnership, signaling that additional shakeups and cost-saving measures are imminent.