Trump Says He Wanted to Find Someone Smarter to Run DOGE—What He Really Meant
During a joint interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, former President Donald Trump revealed that he wanted to hire someone “smarter” than Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, he admitted that he struggled to find the right candidate for the job.
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Trump emphasized that his primary focus for a second term would be to surround himself with “great people” who could help streamline the federal government. He acknowledged that he had only recently gotten to know Musk but praised him as an “amazing person” who cares about America’s success, the New York Post reported.
“I wanted great people. And he’s a great person. He’s an amazing person. He’s also a caring person,”
Despite their relationship, Trump clarified that Musk would not be involved in DOGE-related decisions if a conflict of interest arose.
Why Trump Considered Elon Musk for DOGE
Elon Musk’s Push for Government Efficiency
Elon Musk has long advocated for reducing federal spending and increasing government efficiency. He previously stated that a Trump victory in 2024 would present an opportunity to “fix the system” by eliminating at least $1 billion in wasteful spending.
Given Musk’s track record in business, Trump saw him as a strong candidate for DOGE. However, Trump’s comments suggest that he wanted someone even more qualified—but failed to find the right person.
Trump and Musk’s Relationship Over Time
Trump and Musk’s relationship has been somewhat unpredictable over the years. Initially, Musk distanced himself from Trump during his presidency, avoiding direct political alignment. However, in recent years, Musk has become increasingly vocal about government inefficiency and the need for significant political reforms, which aligns with some of Trump’s key campaign promises. While Trump now praises Musk as a brilliant and caring individual, he has also suggested that Musk was not necessarily his first choice to lead DOGE. These mixed signals have fueled speculation about whether Musk and Trump could collaborate in some capacity if Trump secures a second term in the 2024 election.
