Trump praises Musk's DOGE cuts in address to Congress
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Elon Musk stands as he is recognized by President Trump during the Republican leader's address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 4. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump praised Elon Musk for his work on DOGE, which he said the billionaire "headed," during Tuesday evening's address to a joint session of Congress.
Driving the news: Musk was met with two standing ovations and protest signs during Trump's speech as he sat as a White House guest of first lady Melania Trump.
What he's saying: "I have created the brand-new Department of Government Efficiency: DOGE. Perhaps you've heard of it," Trump said during his address.
- "Which is headed by Elon Musk, who is in the gallery tonight," Trump added, pointing to the world's richest person. "He's working very hard. He didn't need this."
The intrigue: Despite Trump's comment, the White House said in a court filing last month that Musk is not the administrator of DOGE, nor is he an employee of the department that's overseeing massive cuts to the federal workforce and agencies.
The big picture: DOGE has been behind the federal government overhaul that has led to job cuts and funding freezes and rattled Washington, D.C.
- President Trump has kept the billionaire CEO close by since he took office. Musk has officially served as a "special government employee" and had sweeping influence over the administration's opening weeks.
Go deeper: Federal workers get another "what did you do" email, without Musk threat
