Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswami I headed to Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with lawmakers regarding President-elect Donald Trump's next Department of Government Efficiency.
“I think the people's money should be spent wisely,” Musk told reporters as he walked through the Capitol building with one of his children, 4-year-old X, on his shoulders.
“This is an important mission from the American people.”
Musk has said he aims to cut wasteful government spending by at least $2 trillion.
Musk held a press conference on Thursday morning. meeting Prior to the bicameral meeting hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), he met with incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota).
Musk and Ramaswamy will speak to Republican lawmakers during the event, which Johnson described as a “brainstorming session” aimed at getting a clearer understanding of DOGE's plans.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would discuss “major reform proposals” to “achieve deregulation, red tape and cost savings”. He said he wanted to restore the “principle of limited government.”
Musk previously said he plans to reduce the total number of government agencies from 428 to 99. In an interview with Fox News, Johnson was asked if he thought DOGE could accomplish its mission.
Mr Johnson responded: “We certainly hope so.” “We have the materials and we have the conditions right now to be able to actually make dramatic changes.”
Ramaswami answered Responding to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's comments, he said: “The time to act is now.”
In addition to its goal of reducing bureaucracy at three-letter agencies, DOGE also appears to have its sights set on eliminating permissive remote work policies for federal employees. Billions of taxpayer dollars are wasted maintaining and providing electricity to partially or completely vacant buildings.
“Excluding security and maintenance personnel, the number of government workers who report in person and work 40 hours a week is close to 1%!” Musk said in a post on X on Thursday.
“Almost no one is there,” Musk said.
johnson answered“Unbelievable. This is exactly why we need a Department for Government Efficiency.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced her intention to introduce legislation that aligns with DOGE's waste reduction goals.
“My DOGE Act would freeze federal hiring, begin the process of moving government agencies out of the swamps of Washington, D.C., and establish a merit-based pay system for federal employees,” Blackburn said. Ta. said.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who will chair the DOGE subcommittee, said:some friction” in implementing cost reduction measures for the department.
“But I honestly think there's a great mandate from the American people. And I think it will hopefully give our side of the aisle great courage to do the right thing.” I think so,” she said.
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