Additional Coverage:
President-elect Donald Trump has announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with Elon Musk as its co-leader.
The DOGE is not a government department but an advisory group that will exist “outside of government” and dissolve by 2026. It lacks the power to cut spending, as Congress approves most budget changes.
Musk aims to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget, but experts doubt he can achieve this goal without sacrificing popular programs or mandatory spending like Medicare and Social Security.
The DOGE may function as an advisory committee, but its precise mechanisms are unclear. It will seek individuals willing to work long hours for free.
Musk and his co-leader, Vivek Ramaswamy, may face conflicts of interest but are unlikely to have to divest from their businesses.
Trump has expressed interest in changing the Impoundment Control Act, which limits his power to withhold funds, but such an attempt would likely face legal challenges.
The effectiveness of the DOGE remains uncertain, as its legal status and bureaucracy are still unclear. Experts express skepticism about its ability to achieve its ambitious goals.