US President Donald Trump gave a big shout out to his adviser Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in his first joint address to Congress. The President referred to Musk as the head of DOGE and said he “didn't need this”, acknowledging the contribution of the billionaire entrepreneur, who was present in the gallery, in combating inflation and reducing government spending.
“Created the DOGE, perhaps you heard of it... which is headed by Elon Musk, who is in the gallery tonight, thank you Elon, you are working very hard," Trump said during an address to Congress, after which Musk stood up in the gallery to applause from Republican lawmakers.
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump thanked Elon Musk for his contributions to DOGE. The crowd erupted in cheers as the President introduced him.
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) March 5, 2025
TRUMP: "Thank you Elon. He is working very hard. He didn't need this. We appreciate it.” pic.twitter.com/vGlZoT4JcV
"Thank you very much, we appreciate it...he didn't need this... even this side (Democrats) appreciates this, they just don't want to admit," he said.
"To further combat inflation, we will not only be reducing the cost of energy, but we'll be ending the flagrant waste of taxpayer dollars," Trump added, outlining his goal for DOGE.
Democrats, meanwhile, held small black signs with bold white lettering reading "Protect Veterans," "Save Medicaid," and "Musk Steals." Some even raised them higher as Trump began his speech, signaling their dissent.
Trump stressed his administration is focusing on economic efficiency, with Musk's work in technology and innovation playing a key role in those efforts. He said that DOGE has identified "appalling waste" in federal government contracts.
The US President is pushing to extend presidential power to its limits, with the popular vote behind him and a Republican-controlled House and Senate doing his bidding.
Aided by Musk, Trump has cracked down on the federal bureaucracy, firing thousands of workers, shuttering entire agencies and decimating foreign aid.
"The days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over," Trump said.
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