Trump Signs New Executive Order as Elon Answers Question in the Oval [WATCH]

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing federal employees to comply with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as it moves to reduce the size of the federal workforce.

The move is part of a broader effort led by DOGE head Elon Musk to streamline government operations and cut costs.

The executive order puts into action DOGE’s “workforce optimization initiative,” reinforcing Trump and Musk’s plan to significantly reduce the $300 billion spent annually on 2.4 million federal employees—a figure that does not include active-duty military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers, or pension programs.

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This follows Trump’s Day One hiring freeze, which is set to expire.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, both Trump and Musk defended DOGE’s mission despite mounting criticism over Musk’s role and potential conflicts of interest.

“I campaigned on this,” Trump said. “I campaigned on the fact that I said government is corrupt. And it is very corrupt. It’s also foolish.”

Musk, who attended the signing alongside his son X, echoed Trump’s remarks.

“The people voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get,” Musk said. “That’s what democracy is all about.”

REPORTER: “Your detractors […] say that you’re orchestrating a hostile takeover of government & doing it in a non-transparent way.”

MUSK: “The people voted for major government reform, & that’s what people are going to get. They’re going to get what they voted for.” pic.twitter.com/Nkx1hjxNZS

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 11, 2025

As scrutiny over Musk’s access to federal government information continues to grow—particularly regarding his government contracts, including StarLink Services, his satellite internet company—the billionaire addressed concerns head-on.

Describing the oversight he faces as a “daily proctology exam,” Musk insisted that transparency is key to public trust.

“Transparency is what builds trust,” he said. “We post our actions to the DOGE handle on X.”

Elon Musk: DOGE is trying to be as transparent as possible. We post our actions to the DOGE handle and on the DOGE website. I don’t think there’s been where an organization has been more transparent than the DOGE organization. pic.twitter.com/C73hO7Ma3y

— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) February 11, 2025

Musk also noted that he and Trump speak almost daily, emphasizing his commitment to “common sense controls” over government spending and efficiency.

The executive order directs federal agency heads to work with DOGE in order to “shrink the size of the federal workforce and limit hiring to essential positions.”

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is also tasked with initiating a rule to enforce the highest standards of conduct for federal employees.

The order specifically exempts personnel and functions related to:

• National security
• Public safety
• Law enforcement
• Immigration enforcement

As part of the plan, Trump’s directive imposes strict hiring limitations:

“Upon expiration of the Day 1 hiring freeze and implementation of the hiring plan, agencies will be able to hire no more than one employee for every four employees that depart from federal service,” the order states.

The order also requires agencies to develop plans for large-scale reductions and identify which departments may be eliminated or consolidated if their functions are not required by law.

When asked whether DOGE requires Congressional approval, Trump stated that he was uncertain but expressed confidence in his ability to secure votes if necessary.

“I’ll have to appeal it,” Trump said. “But then what’s done is he slowed down the momentum, and it gives crooked people more time to cover up the books.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted a photo of the signing ceremony on social media, highlighting Trump and Musk’s collaboration.

“HAPPENING NOW IN THE OVAL: President Trump and @elonmusk give the TRUTH about DOGE!” Leavitt wrote.

HAPPENING NOW IN THE OVAL: President Trump and @elonmusk give the TRUTH about DOGE! pic.twitter.com/gU7zyCep4t

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 11, 2025

While Musk and Trump discussed government reform, Musk’s young son X briefly stole the spotlight, drawing attention online for his playful antics.

“Gravitas can be difficult sometimes,” Musk joked after his son was seen putting his fingers in his nose and his dad’s ears during the event.

The executive order marks a significant step in Trump’s push to overhaul the federal government, as his administration seeks to reduce bureaucracy and cut spending.

The plan is expected to face legal and political challenges, but the White House remains committed to DOGE’s mission of government efficiency.

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