Elon Musk may soon add government reformer to his extensive résumé. Should Donald Trump return to the White House, Musk could join the administration as “Secretary of Cost-Cutting,” a role the tech billionaire would use to streamline federal expenses. This position would make Musk the latest in a line of ultra-wealthy individuals stepping into government roles, following figures like Michael Bloomberg and former President Trump himself.
Trump has a history of filling his Cabinet with businesspeople, and Musk’s drastic approach to reducing government spending aligns with Trump’s preference for outsider leadership. During a rally at Madison Square Garden, Musk claimed he could trim $2 trillion from the federal budget, suggesting a dramatic shake-up in fiscal policy. This proposed cut would amount to nearly a third of last year’s $6.75 trillion budget and would likely require slashing spending on essential programs like social security, healthcare, and defense—measures that many view as politically untenable.
Critics like John Pelissero of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics have questioned Musk’s eligibility for the position due to his lack of expertise in government. Pelissero questioned Musk’s ability to succeed in the position by pointing out that other initiatives to reduce government waste have been spearheaded by people with substantial experience in the public sector.
Moreover, Musk’s significant government contracts for SpaceX and Tesla could present potential conflicts of interest. SpaceX alone has amassed over $15 billion in government contracts, with Musk advocating policies that could further benefit his businesses. His substantial influence over social media through X (formerly Twitter) also fuels concerns over his ability to sway public opinion and policy directly.
