Trump to establish Efficiency Commission with Elon Musk as chair, if re-elected

Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to establish a “Government Efficiency Commission” led by billionaire Elon Musk if he wins the upcoming election.

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In a Thursday speech before the New York Economic Club, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump unveiled a bold proposal to create a “Government Efficiency Commission” if he is reelected. The commission would be chaired by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter. This announcement marks the first time Trump has publicly endorsed the idea and named Musk as its potential leader.

According to Trump’s plan, the panel will thoroughly evaluate the federal government’s finances and performance. “Fraud and improper payments” would be eliminated, he claims, within six months of the commission’s establishment. Though the commission’s operational details are still unknown, Trump called it a crucial first step in enacting “drastic reforms.”

Musk, who had previously hinted at interest in such a role, confirmed his willingness to participate. In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Musk expressed his readiness to serve without the need for compensation, title, or recognition. “I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises,” Musk wrote. “No pay, no title, no recognition is needed.”

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The proposal, however, has drawn sharp criticism from labor leaders. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, accused Trump and Musk of aiming to dismantle the non-partisan civil service. Kelley argued that such a move would result in replacing experienced federal workers with political allies, undermining efficiency rather than enhancing it.

The U.S. government already has the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO), tasked with monitoring federal spending and performance. Critics argue that Trump’s plan may duplicate existing oversight mechanisms while potentially politicizing government operations.

In addition to the efficiency commission, Trump reiterated other elements of his economic agenda. He pledged to cut the U.S. corporate tax rate to 15% for companies that manufacture domestically, aiming to incentivize domestic production. Trump also proposed opening federal lands for homebuilding to reduce housing costs, describing the new zones as “low tax” and “low regulation.”

Another significant component of Trump’s economic plan is the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to finance major infrastructure projects, including highways, airports, and manufacturing hubs.

The speech also featured notable business figures in attendance, such as JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon and Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman. Trump has consistently criticized Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for the rise in everyday goods prices, a sentiment reflected in recent public opinion polls showing dissatisfaction with inflation despite a general slowdown.

As the election approaches, Trump’s proposal for a government efficiency commission led by Elon Musk signals a commitment to major reform and a push for economic revitalization. However, the plan’s reception and implementation remain subjects of debate and scrutiny.