Trump's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Faces Scrutiny Over Mission and Leadership

Critics question the legitimacy and objectives of the advisory team led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, as watchdog groups raise concerns about conflicts of interest and potential impacts on federal programs.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to cut $2 trillion in federal spending by targeting regulations, agencies, and programs deemed wasteful.
DOGE is not a formal government department but an advisory group working with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to propose cost-cutting measures via executive action, bypassing legislative approval.
Critics, including watchdog groups and Democratic lawmakers, argue that DOGE's leadership and mission pose conflicts of interest, risking harm to essential federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
Conservative think tanks and nonprofit organizations are collaborating with DOGE, providing research and recommendations to identify areas of perceived inefficiency and 'woke' spending in federal budgets.
Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, has requested representation in DOGE to ensure consumer and public perspectives are considered, warning that the initiative could prioritize corporate interests over public welfare.