On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk gave their first joint interview on Fox News with Sean Hannity. They covered Musk’s advisory role and his influence in the White House.
Trump assured viewers that Musk won’t handle decisions linked to his companies, like Tesla or SpaceX. Musk echoed this, saying, “I haven’t asked the president for anything.” His focus? Providing tech support. SpaceX works with NASA, but Musk vowed to step back from related government choices.
Musk unveiled his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). He aims to slash a trillion dollars from the deficit. “If bureaucracy blocks the people’s will, it’s not democracy,” he said. Trump added, “He’ll find that trillion—mostly from fraud and waste.”
Trump promised no cuts to Social Security and plans to eliminate the Department of Education, giving states control. He praised Musk’s efficiency: “He gets executive orders done—his team makes it happen.”
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Hannity asked about X’s $10 million settlement with Trump. Musk shrugged, “I left it to the lawyers.” Trump laughed, “You gave him a discount—I wanted more!” Both downplayed its importance.
