Donald Trump Jr has come to the defence of Elon Musk’s recent actions targeting federal departments, responding to critics who argue that Musk, as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was not elected.
Trump Jr shared a collage of photos featuring Alex Soros, the son of billionaire George Soros, alongside Democratic leaders like Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trump Jr wrote, and Elon Musk reposted his tweet, amplifying the message.
The Soros Connection and Musk’s “Soros of the Right” Remark
George Soros, a billionaire investor and philanthropist, is known for his political activism and support for liberal causes worldwide. He has long been a controversial figure, with critics accusing him of using his wealth to influence global political movements.
In November, shortly after Donald Trump’s re-election, Musk referred to himself as the “Soros of the right,” according to The Washington Post. This comparison highlights Musk’s growing influence in political and governmental spheres despite not holding an elected office.
Musk’s DOGE: Reshaping Federal Operations
Trump Jr’s comments come in the wake of Musk’s DOGE launching a new program offering federal employees a choice: resign by February 6 with salary and benefits through September or continue working. Musk also announced that his team has gained access to the federal payments system, raising eyebrows about the extent of his influence.
Additionally, Musk revealed plans to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID), labelling it a “criminal organization.” USAID, which provides humanitarian aid to 120 countries, has been criticized by both Musk and Trump. They argue that it wastes taxpayer money and engages in controversial activities, including funding bioweapon research.
Read: Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Restrict Birthright Citizenship, Upholds 14th Amendment
Democrats have condemned Musk’s actions as an unconstitutional power grab, particularly since DOGE is not a formal government entity. Despite these concerns, Musk claims that Trump supports the shutdown.
Concerns Over Musk’s Expanding Influence
Critics have raised alarms about Musk’s growing control over US government infrastructure. This is especially true given the involvement of young engineers, most aged between 19 and 24, in key positions within DOGE. These individuals, with limited experience in government affairs, have been entrusted with high-level tasks involving sensitive information.
Key figures within this group have little to no administrative experience but have been placed in influential roles within critical agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the General Services Administration (GSA). Both agencies are vital to the federal government’s functioning, making their oversight by inexperienced personnel a cause for concern.
