WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Efforts to cut government spending are underway in Washington.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy met with lawmakers Thursday as they prepare to head up the new “Department of Government Efficiency”
Musk and Ramaswamy say they want to cut $2 trillion in spending but it’s unclear what exactly is on the chopping block.
Heads of the new Department of Government Efficiency were welcomed by Republicans who say government has gotten too big.
“This is a new day in Washington and a new day in America,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
House Speaker Mike Johnson says Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s visit to Capitol Hill was the first of many meetings aimed at making the government more efficient.
“There won’t be a lot of detail for the press today and that’s by design. Because this is a brainstorming session,” said Johnson.
Specific cuts were not laid out on Thursday.
“They’re going to put everything on the table,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).
The DOGE duo has said they plan to fire federal workers, slash regulations and cut programs.
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine says he is open to ideas but doesn’t want to see cuts to things like Medicare and Medicaid.
“I’m going to resist efforts that will achieve savings by hurting people,” said Kaine.
There could be other challenges according to South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman.
“This is where the problem comes…everybody’s pet project they want to keep,” said Norman.
Texas Congressman Greg Casar says overall he’s skeptical of Musk.
“I don’t have high hopes for him having anything other than pretty awful ideas,” said Casar.
This new department doesn’t have the authority itself to directly cut spending, but they’ll make recommendations for lawmakers to implement.
