In a 17-minute interview, Elon Musk maintained a scripted stance, focusing on his mission to “eliminate waste and fraud” from government. Despite his cost-cutting measures sparking widespread backlash, Musk insisted that he simply does not want America to go bankrupt. When asked about the future of the so-called “department of government efficiency” (Doge) a year from now, Musk thought it incomplete. He pointed to social security and other entitlement programs as the primary targets for reduction, stating that most federal spending is allocated to these areas. This stance drew immediate criticism from Democrats, who argued that Musk’s focus on cutting support for the vulnerable contrasts starkly with his significant earnings from government contracts. Musk’s comments on possible cuts to social security and other programs, which he claims are riddled with waste and fraud, have sparked intense debate and protests. While the White House supports Doge’s efforts, it also reassures voters that Trump will protect social security and other entitlements. Musk’s impact on the Republican party and its policies continues to be a subject of fierce discussion, with Democrats leveraging public dissatisfaction with Musk as a strategy against the Republican agenda. However, the effectiveness of this strategy and the broader implications for American democracy remain to be seen.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/16/democrats-musk-trump-administration