Elon Musk’s Oval Office appearance with President Trump showcased his growing power in Washington, as he spearheads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Musk’s claims of waste resonate with many Americans, his aggressive government cuts, including shuttering USAID and CFPB, face legal challenges. His influence, combined with Trump’s reforms, is politically popular but risks backlash if key agencies like FEMA or the Education Department are targeted. Concerns about Musk’s unchecked power and conflicts of interest persist, despite his claims of transparency. His role could ultimately strengthen or undermine Trump’s administration, depending on the political fallout.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/12/politics/musk-trump-oval-office-analysis/index.html