During a speech to supporters in New York on Thursday, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump revealed a new approach to tackling inflation and saving billions for taxpayers: allowing Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, to conduct an audit of the federal government.
Trump explained, “I plan to establish a government efficiency commission that will carry out a full financial and performance audit across every federal agency. This commission will then propose major reforms to enhance accountability and reduce waste.” He noted that in 2022 alone, fraud and improper payments cost taxpayers hundreds of billions. “The commission’s first objective will be to eliminate these inefficiencies within six months. This initiative will save trillions and help curb inflation while bringing down prices.”
The idea for the audit reportedly originated from a conversation Trump had with Musk last month. Musk, who has agreed to head the commission if Trump wins the election, argued that there is significant waste and overregulation in government that could be cut. Following Trump’s remarks, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his eagerness to assist the country. He stated that he anticipates no title, no compensation, and no official recognition for his efforts.
However, the possibility of Musk serving in this capacity raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Given Musk’s ownership stakes in companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and X, it’s uncertain whether he could take on a public role without being required to divest or frequently recuse himself from decisions related to his business interests.
Author’s Note: While Elon Musk is undoubtedly a visionary, it’s hard to see how he could navigate the inherent conflicts of interest that would arise from his involvement in government activities without stepping away from his vast array of private ventures. But what the heck? Welcome aboard!
