Here’s what Trump said.
President Trump recently shared an interesting revelation about his search for a leader to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), explaining that he initially sought someone smarter than Elon Musk. However, after an extensive search, he concluded that there was no one better suited for the role. In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump humorously remarked, “I tried, I really did, but I couldn’t find anyone smarter,” as he gestured toward Musk, the billionaire tech mogul. This lighthearted exchange underscored the deep respect Trump holds for Musk, who has been a key player in his administration’s cost-cutting efforts.
The interview, the first joint one between the two, took place at the White House and gave Trump the opportunity to discuss his vision for a more efficient federal government. As he prepares for a second term, Trump emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with talented individuals. While he only got to know Musk more personally over the past year, Trump praised the tech mogul for his impressive success in the private sector and his dedication to the well-being of the country. Musk, according to Trump, isn’t just a business genius; he’s also a “caring person” who wants to see America thrive.
Trump made it clear that any conflicts of interest would be handled carefully. “If there’s a conflict, he won’t be involved,” Trump stated, ensuring that Musk’s role in DOGE would not interfere with his business interests. The president even acknowledged that his stance on electric vehicle mandates, which could impact Musk’s business, would likely hurt Tesla, but he still valued Musk’s expertise in driving efficiency and cutting waste in government spending.
Musk, for his part, praised Trump’s approach to governance, citing his successful negotiations to bring down the cost of a new Air Force One. Musk noted that the president’s “competence and caring” were key to getting a better deal for taxpayers, preventing costs from escalating by billions of dollars.
Since the establishment of DOGE under Musk’s leadership, the initiative has made significant strides in reducing federal spending. DOGE’s cost-cutting measures have targeted a variety of agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Department of Agriculture. These actions are expected to save taxpayers billions, with estimates suggesting that $55 billion has already been cut.
The Trump administration’s focus on eliminating waste and inefficiency in government is gaining traction, and with Musk’s leadership, DOGE is poised to continue making a positive impact on the nation’s fiscal health. With a commitment to finding the best and brightest minds to serve, President Trump’s vision for government reform is becoming a reality.