WASHINGTON: Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk made his first official appearance at the White House alongside President Donald Trump on Tuesday, unveiling a bold initiative aimed at curbing government spending. However, the spotlight briefly shifted to his young son, who unintentionally stole the show.
Sporting a black “Make America Great Again” cap, a black t-shirt, and an overcoat, Musk addressed reporters in the Oval Office, with Trump seated at the iconic Resolute Desk. Assigned by the president to spearhead federal cost-cutting measures through a newly established “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), Musk warned that without significant reductions, the United States could face financial collapse.
Dismissing concerns over transparency and potential conflicts of interest, Musk acknowledged that errors may occur but emphasized his commitment to addressing what he called the influence of an “unelected” bureaucracy. Trump, in turn, signed an executive order granting DOGE additional authority to direct government departments in implementing further budget reductions—a move that has sparked controversy.
Critics argue that these measures represent an unconstitutional consolidation of power within the executive branch. However, for a brief moment, Musk’s attention was diverted elsewhere.
A Moment of Distraction
“Maintaining a serious tone can be a challenge at times,” Musk remarked as his young son, X Æ A-Xii, playfully fidgeted and spoke during his father’s address. Dressed in a tan overcoat, the child knelt beside Trump’s desk, appearing unfazed by the high-profile event. At one point, as Musk discussed consumer debt, his son distractedly picked his nose, drawing smiles from those present.
Musk’s unconventional style, a key factor in Trump’s decision to place him at the forefront of his administration’s government reform efforts, was on full display. The billionaire, who contributed approximately $250 million to Trump’s campaign, has assembled a team of engineers tasked with driving an aggressive efficiency program that has already resulted in agency closures and mass layoffs—prompting legal challenges and accusations of an overreach of executive power.
When questioned about his critics, Musk quipped, “Critics? I have critics? I find that hard to believe.” He then justified his approach, asserting that Trump’s victory reflected a clear public mandate for government reform. “The people voted for significant change, and that’s exactly what they’re going to get,” he stated.
Scrutiny Over Transparency and Influence
Despite Musk’s insistence on reducing the power of “unelected” officials, many have pointed out the irony of his own unelected position within the administration, where he wields significant influence. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding possible conflicts of interest, given that his company, SpaceX, holds lucrative government contracts.
Addressing these concerns, Musk maintained that he was operating with full transparency. “It’s not like I believe I can bypass scrutiny—I’m under constant evaluation,” he said. However, reports surfaced that the Associated Press was denied access to the event after refusing to comply with Trump’s directive to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
Following Musk’s remarks, Trump took center stage, commending his efforts before launching into a critique of U.S. judges who have blocked aspects of his administration’s agenda.
The event also highlighted an underlying dynamic—how two dominant personalities, both accustomed to having their way, navigate working together in a shared space. A recent Time Magazine cover featuring Musk seated at the Resolute Desk had already stirred speculation about his growing influence. However, Musk was quick to reaffirm his deference to Trump’s authority. “I regularly check with the president to ensure that my actions align with his vision. We communicate almost daily,” he concluded.
