Additional Coverage:
Local billionaire Elon Musk has been shaking up the US government, implementing sweeping changes impacting federal employees, diversity initiatives, and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). His actions have surprised both Democrats and Republicans.
Musk has stated his goal is to anger all politicians with his Department of Government Efficiency. This has led to concern among political analysts.
Despite some speculation about Musk’s mental state, a former SpaceX colleague, Jim Cantrell, now CEO of Phantom Space Corporation, dismisses the idea of a breakdown. Cantrell believes Musk is the same person he’s always known, just more successful. He does, however, express concern about Musk’s heavy workload.
Musk recently claimed on social media he spent an entire weekend overhauling USAID. This sparked online debate, with some praising his dedication and others worried about the impact on his health.
Musk’s actions at USAID, including locking employee accounts and restricting building access, have created new legal challenges and upset federal workers.
He appeared with President Trump at the Oval Office to defend his department’s work, which Trump claimed uncovered billions in government waste. Neither provided specific details.
Musk addressed concerns about transparency and conflicts of interest related to his business dealings with the government, suggesting individual contracts should be examined. He emphasized his focus is on space exploration, not government affairs.