"Over 400 US Federal Agencies, 99 Are Enough"… Musk Predicts Major Transformation

President-elect Trump Expresses Views After Naming Head of Government Efficiency Department
Posts on X
Specific Operational Policies Unclear
Concerns Raised Over Conflicts of Interest and Ambiguous Organizational Authority

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, announced a major overhaul, stating that more than 400 U.S. federal agencies are excessive and "99 agencies are enough."

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

On the 12th (local time), Musk posted this message on X (formerly Twitter) immediately after Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, announced that he had appointed Musk as the head of the "Department of Government Efficiency."

He shared a short interview video related to the duties of the Department of Government Efficiency, pointing out, "Do we really need 428 federal agencies? Many agencies are unheard of, and many have overlapping areas," followed by the post, "99 agencies are enough."

In an additional post, Musk said, "Either make the government efficient or America will go bankrupt," showing a strong commitment to the efficient operation of the federal government.

He also pledged to maximize transparency by posting all actions of the Department of Government Efficiency online, asking, "If you think we are cutting important things and not cutting wasteful things, just let us know anytime."

Vivek Ramaswamy, who will co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency with Musk, also joined in support. Ramaswamy, an Indian-American entrepreneur who ran in the Republican presidential primary before withdrawing and supporting Trump, wrote on X, "The American people voted for bold government reform," and declared, "We will not go easy," pledging aggressive reform efforts.

Musk, considered a key figure in Trump’s return to the White House, had previously promised drastic government reform during the campaign, saying the federal budget could be cut by at least $2 trillion (approximately 2,800 trillion KRW). However, he did not provide many details about which federal agencies might be "abolished" or specific operational plans.

However, concerns about potential conflicts of interest have been raised against Musk, who runs large companies such as the electric vehicle company Tesla and the space exploration company SpaceX, and also conducts substantial government contract business. Lisa Gilbert, co-director of the progressive consumer group Public Citizen, stated in a press release, "Musk knows nothing about government efficiency and regulation," and pointed out that Musk has repeatedly violated the rules he will aggressively target in his 'czar' position during his business operations.

There are also criticisms regarding the unclear authority and status of the Department of Government Efficiency. CNN reported, "Trump says it is an organization that provides advice and guidance outside the government, but it is currently uncertain how the Department of Government Efficiency will operate and whether the Republican-majority Congress will approve such bold reforms in government spending and operations."

Seemingly aware of the controversy surrounding the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk rebutted on X, saying, "A threat to democracy? No. A threat to bureaucracy!!!" Musk, who gained strong trust during Trump’s reelection campaign, is expected to be in charge of the organization for federal government efficiency. He is already exercising considerable influence, including sitting in on phone calls between Trump and foreign leaders.