Despite facing declining poll numbers and growing constituent unrest, President Donald Trump has publicly urged Elon Musk to intensify his efforts in downsizing the federal government.
On Saturday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“ELON IS DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM GET MORE AGGRESSIVE. REMEMBER, WE HAVE A COUNTRY TO SAVE, BUT ULTIMATELY, TO MAKE GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. MAGA!”
This call for increased assertiveness comes amid significant public and political backlash against Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for its heavy-handed tactics and the erosion of federal functions. Some Republicans have expressed private concerns about the administration’s direction, but public opposition within the party remains limited.
In a recent joint public appearance with Trump in the Oval Office, Musk defended the administration’s aggressive measures, emphasizing the need to overhaul the federal government. This weekend, Musk appeared at CPAC with a chainsaw symbolizing his destructive actions against government agencies and civil servants.
Despite internal concerns, President Trump’s public endorsement suggests a commitment to accelerating the administration’s agenda, potentially leading to more assertive actions by Musk and DOGE in the near future. Trump is setting himself up for continued low poll numbers, constituent unrest, and blame for every problem that can be traced back to a slashed federal agency.