Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced on Thursday that if he wins the November 5 election, he plans to create a government efficiency commission led by billionaire supporter Elon Musk. This came during a comprehensive speech outlining his economic vision for the country.
Speaking at the New York Economic Club, the former president also proposed cutting corporate taxes for companies manufacturing in the U.S., designating federal land as “low-tax” zones to promote home construction, and launching a sovereign wealth fund.
Trump Endorses Musk-Led Efficiency Commission
Trump had been considering the idea of an efficiency commission for weeks, according to sources close to the discussions. However, Thursday’s speech marked the first time he publicly supported the idea. It was also the first time Trump confirmed Musk’s agreement to lead the commission. While Trump did not provide specifics on how the commission would function, he mentioned it would deliver a plan to eliminate “fraud and improper payments” within six months of its formation.
“I will establish a government efficiency commission to conduct a complete financial and performance audit of the federal government,” Trump said, addressing an audience that included former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and financiers Scott Bessent and John Paulson.
Musk, in an August 19 podcast, confirmed his discussions with Trump regarding the commission and expressed his interest in the role. On Thursday, he reiterated his willingness to participate, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises. No pay, no title, no recognition is needed.”
Musk’s Role in a Potential Trump Administration
Trump has previously expressed his desire to offer Musk a “cabinet-level” position to oversee audits of federal agencies and eliminate wasteful regulations. Musk responded enthusiastically, saying he “can’t wait” to take on the role.
Previous administrations have formed similar commissions. Notably, President Ronald Reagan established the Grace Commission during his term (1981-1989) to address government inefficiencies.
Mixed Reactions to the Proposal
The proposal has sparked some criticism. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, representing around 750,000 federal workers, accused Trump and Musk of aiming to dismantle the nonpartisan civil service and replace dismissed workers with political allies. “There’s nothing efficient about that,” Kelley told Reuters.
However, John Paulson, a financier present at the speech, supported the idea of Musk leading the commission, calling him a “terrific businessman” who could significantly improve government efficiency.
