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Washington, D.C. – Billionaire Elon Musk made headlines on Tuesday during a rare Oval Office appearance where he claimed to have uncovered widespread federal fraud and waste. Standing beside President Donald Trump at the Resolute Desk, Musk made sweeping accusations about corrupt practices within government agencies — but provided no hard evidence.
According to Musk, his secretive federal cost-cutting team aims to “restore democracy” by exposing and eliminating fraud across the bureaucracy. “If the bureaucracy’s in charge, then what meaning does democracy actually have?” Musk said, calling the federal structure an “unelected, unconstitutional fourth branch of government.”
While Musk promised “maximum transparency,” critics noted that his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been operating with extreme secrecy. His team has gained access to sensitive federal data without prior notice and continues to sidestep public financial disclosures.
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President Trump praised Musk’s initiative, stating that it aligns with his campaign promises to overhaul the federal government and fight the so-called “deep state.” However, the cost-cutting project has faced several lawsuits, with federal judges ordering temporary halts to some actions while legal challenges play out.
Musk’s Claims Stir Controversy
Among the unverified claims Musk presented:
- U.S. Agency for International Development officials allegedly took kickbacks.
- Bureaucrats somehow accrued tens of millions in net worth.
- Some Social Security recipients are allegedly 150 years old.
Despite the explosive nature of these claims, Musk offered no supporting documentation. He directed skeptics to follow his updates on X (formerly Twitter), declaring, “We are actually trying to be as transparent as possible.”
Conflict of Interest Concerns
Musk dismissed questions about potential conflicts of interest, given that some of his companies, including SpaceX, have government contracts. “I’m not the one filing the contracts,” Musk said. “It’s the people at SpaceX or something.”
Criticism and Next Steps
The initiative’s rapid implementation has raised concerns about Musk’s unchecked authority and lack of oversight. Critics argue that Musk’s personal involvement in government operations — combined with his reluctance to answer press inquiries — fuels more confusion than accountability.
Musk admitted mistakes might be made but promised quick corrections. “Nobody’s going to bat 1.000,” he said.
For now, Musk’s cost-cutting crusade continues, with growing scrutiny from the media, lawmakers, and federal judges alike. — nytimes