In response to criticism, Musk asserted that departmental cuts were independently planned, with DOGE merely assuming productive employees would be retained. This echoes previous claims that DOGE only recommends cuts, leaving implementation to agency heads. While Musk privately admitted to errors, these errors resulted in job losses, highlighting the significant human cost of his decisions. The consequences for agencies failing to comply with DOGE directives remain unclear.
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A tense standoff occurred at the US African Development Foundation (USADF) headquarters when a team from Elon Musk’s “Doge” unit, accompanied by a Trump appointee, attempted to enter and carry out firings. USADF staff, citing a letter from their chair, refused entry, asserting that the firings violated the agency’s governing statute and required Congressional approval. This incident, following similar resistance at another agency, highlights ongoing legal challenges against Trump administration efforts to dismantle federal agencies. The USADF, established to support African communities, has distributed over $141 million in grants since 2019.
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During a Morgan Stanley conference, Elon Musk advocated for the privatization of both Amtrak and the USPS, citing the inadequacy of America’s passenger rail system compared to other countries. He believes that privatizing these organizations would improve their efficiency, echoing similar sentiments recently expressed by President Trump regarding the USPS. Musk acknowledged the need for congressional approval for such a move, though he offered no concrete plans for achieving privatization. Despite his informal role as de facto leader of the White House’s DOGE, he downplayed his involvement, referring to himself as “tech support.”
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Following criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky’s attire during a White House visit, a press secretary addressed apparent inconsistencies in dress code for high-profile guests. The question arose from comparisons to Elon Musk’s frequent casual appearances. The press secretary noted Musk had recently worn a suit, deflecting concerns about double standards. Zelensky’s choice of military-style clothing has been a recurring point of contention, with his attire framed by some as disrespectful. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and questions about the Trump administration’s approach to diplomacy.
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A WIRED investigation contradicts Elon Musk’s assertion that Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees receive zero compensation, revealing that several key figures earn six-figure salaries via the General Services Administration (GSA). These salaries, ranging from $120,500 to $195,200 annually, include those working on projects like dismantling USAID and restructuring the GSA. This contrasts sharply with DOGE’s initial recruitment claims and its now $40 million budget. The situation raises concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest given Musk’s substantial personal wealth and his companies’ history of receiving significant government funding.
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President Trump’s public acknowledgment of Elon Musk as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directly contradicts the administration’s previous legal claims. The administration had previously asserted that Musk held no authority within DOGE, instead naming Amy Gleason as its leader. This contradiction, highlighted by plaintiffs in ongoing lawsuits, significantly weakens the government’s defense against allegations of DOGE’s unlawful actions. Trump’s statement provides compelling new evidence supporting the plaintiffs’ assertion that Musk is the de facto head of DOGE.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford permanently cancelled a $100 million contract with SpaceX for Starlink internet service, citing Musk’s role in the Trump administration and the ongoing trade war with the U.S. This decision, made in response to new tariffs, reverses an earlier reinstatement of the contract. Ford maintains the cancellation is final, regardless of future tariff resolutions, prioritizing a “point of principle” over potential financial penalties. The opposition parties have criticized both the initial contract and its subsequent cancellation.
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Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, analyzed publicly available data to assess the likelihood of Donald Trump being a “Putin-compromised asset,” concluding a 75-85% probability. Grok cited Trump’s extensive financial ties to Russia, his consistent refusal to criticize Putin, and leaked Kremlin documents suggesting Putin’s support for Trump’s 2016 campaign as key factors. The chatbot, designed to be “maximally truth-seeking,” weighed these factors against alternative explanations. This assessment raises questions about the implications of such AI-driven analyses of political figures and their potential impact.
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President Trump’s recent address to Congress provided new evidence in an ongoing lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). During the speech, Trump explicitly stated that Elon Musk heads DOGE, a claim directly used in a new court filing by lawyers representing plaintiffs. This filing emphasizes the need for expedited discovery to clarify Musk’s actual role and DOGE’s structure, particularly in relation to Acting Administrator Amy Gleason. The White House’s conflicting statements regarding Musk’s position, ranging from “overseeing” DOGE to being a “senior advisor,” fuel the ongoing legal battle surrounding the department’s authority and operations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
French Politician Calls Elon Musk a Ketamine-Fueled Jester
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