Key points
- Trump hints at sacking “some” FBI agents
- Questions raised on DOGE’s access to Americans’ personal info
- Trump blames weak security in place
WASHINGTON: United States (US) President Donald Trump said Friday he had asked his “efficiency czar” Elon Musk to review spending in the sprawling US Department of Defence, which has a proposed budget for 2025 of $850 billion.
Asked if defence was on Musk’s agenda for cuts, Trump told reporters at the White House: “I’ve instructed him to go check out education, to check out the Pentagon, which is the military. And you know, sadly, you’ll find some things that are pretty bad.”
According to CBS News, he spoke at a news conference with the Japanese prime minister vowed to slash federal spending by $2 trillion.
He said he’s asked Musk to review “just about” every federal agency.
“Pentagon, Education, just about everything,” the president said. “We’re gonna go through everything.”
Mr Trump said he tells Musk where to go, and he goes to that agency.
“I will pick out a target, and I say, ‘Go in,'” the president said.
DOGE overreach
In response to a reporter’s question about why DOGE needs access to Americans’ personal information, like bank accounts and Social Security numbers, the president appeared to support DOGE’s efforts while indicating that it did not need the data.
“Well, it doesn’t, but they get it very easily, I mean we don’t have very good security in our country,” Mr Trump said.
However, CBS News said DOGE has obtained access to the information because of the president’s orders allowing it, not because of a lapse in security.
He added DOGE would be examining trillions in federal funds spent “perhaps illegally.” He said he’s proud of the job “this group of young people” is doing.
