Musk and Ramaswamy to Lead New Government Efficiency Unit 'DOGE'

Elon Musk has been appointed to co-head a new Department of Government Efficiency by the incoming US president, aiming to cut $2 trillion from US government spending by reducing waste. This ambitious target represents about 30% of total federal spending, but experts are skeptical about its feasibility without significant impacts on government functions. Discretionary spending, which is easier to cut than mandatory spending, only accounted for $1.7 trillion in 2023, suggesting that achieving such savings would require drastic measures. The proposal faces challenges, including potential public resistance and conflicting political priorities.