President Donald Trump, alongside his top advisor Elon Musk, signed an executive order on Tuesday to accelerate efforts to shrink the size of the federal government.
The executive order, detailed in a White House document obtained by the Associated Press, aims to advance Musk’s initiative to cut government spending through the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk, who has been given broad authority over federal agencies, stated that while there are capable employees in the government, they must be held accountable. He criticized the federal bureaucracy as an “unelected fourth branch of power.”
“The people voted for major government reform, and that is happening,” Musk said. “This is democracy.”
This marks the first time Musk has spoken to reporters since joining the Trump administration as a special advisor with sweeping influence. His appointment has been controversial due to concerns over transparency and oversight. However, Musk dismissed criticism, calling himself “an open book.”
The White House document outlines plans for agencies to implement large-scale reductions in federal employees and to determine which agencies or divisions could be eliminated or merged. It also imposes a strict hiring rule: only one new hire is allowed for every four federal employees who leave, with exceptions for immigration, law enforcement, and public safety.
Trump and Musk are also offering financial incentives for federal employees who voluntarily resign. More than 65,000 workers have reportedly accepted the offer, though a legal challenge is currently delaying the plan’s full implementation.
