Tue Feb 18 03:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump and Musk Defend Sweeping Government Cuts Amidst Protests

**WASHINGTON (AP) —** President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk jointly defended the dramatic slashing of federal government programs during a White House press conference Tuesday. The appearance marked a rare public showing of the two figures as they insisted their actions, implemented through Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are “maximally transparent.”

Musk, speaking alongside Trump and his son, X Æ A-Xii, acknowledged that some claims made about wasteful spending have been inaccurate, but he maintained that the cuts are necessary and reflect the will of the people. He likened the intense scrutiny of his actions to a “daily proctology exam.” He stated that details of DOGE’s work are available on its website and X, though these sources currently lack comprehensive information on specific program cuts.

The administration’s actions have sparked widespread concern, particularly regarding a lack of transparency and accountability. The firing of the U.S. Agency for International Development inspector general, who warned of a lack of oversight for $8.2 billion in humanitarian funds following DOGE’s actions, further fueled these concerns.

Trump signed an executive order expanding DOGE’s power, granting it approval authority over almost all new federal hiring. The order also mandates a four-to-one employee replacement ratio and prioritizes eliminating non-statutory government functions. Simultaneously, a controversial deferred resignation program, offering financial incentives to departing federal workers, is currently under legal review. Over 65,000 employees have already accepted the offer.

Outside the Capitol, hundreds protested the administration’s policies, voicing their support for civil service workers. Federal employees expressed fear and uncertainty about their jobs, their families’ futures, and the impact on the services they provide. One government lawyer, speaking anonymously out of fear of retaliation, described the situation as “terrifying.” Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) criticized the administration’s actions, stating that federal workers “deserve better than to be threatened, intimidated, and pushed out the door.” The senator warned that the cuts could lead to critical service failures.

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