Trump Proposes Government Efficiency Commission Led by Elon Musk

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced plans for a government efficiency commission, to be led by Elon Musk, if he wins the upcoming election. Trump revealed his economic vision during a speech to the New York Economic Club, sparking criticism from federal worker unions. The proposal aims to cut fraud, reduce taxes, and promote domestic manufacturing and housing.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump revealed on Thursday his plan to establish a government efficiency commission, which would be headed by billionaire supporter Elon Musk, should he win the November 5 election. In a comprehensive speech during which he outlined his economic vision for the country at the New York Economic Club, the former president publicly endorsed the idea for the first time, a concept he has been mulling with aides for weeks, according to sources.

Trump specified that Musk has agreed to lead the commission, which aims to eliminate 'fraud and improper payments' within six months of its formation. 'I will create a government efficiency commission tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government and making recommendations for drastic reforms,' said Trump. Musk, echoing his willingness on a recent podcast, reiterated his commitment to the initiative via social media, stating, 'I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises.'

The proposal, however, faced immediate backlash from Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, who accused Trump and Musk of plans to undermine the nonpartisan civil service. Trump also shared his intent to slash the U.S. corporate tax rate to 15% for domestically manufacturing companies, open federal lands for homebuilding to reduce housing costs, and create a sovereign wealth fund for infrastructure projects. His critique of Vice President Kamala Harris over increased prices during Biden's term continues to resonate on the campaign trail, although his perceived economic competence is waning among voters, recent surveys indicate.