As part of events marking his first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump convened his Cabinet officials on Wednesday at the White House. Trump’s early days in office have been defined by aggressive reforms, including a government overhaul, a crackdown on immigration, and widespread implementation of tariffs targeting nearly all U.S. trade partners.
Musk Describes First 100 Days at DOGE as “Very Intense”
On the same day, Elon Musk, now heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), addressed reporters from the Roosevelt Room, accompanied by fellow officials Steve Davis and Antonio Gracias.
Describing his first 100 days in Washington as “very, very intense,” Musk expressed pride in the progress made, but noted persistent obstacles. “We’ve been effective, not as effective as I’d like,” he admitted. “I think we could be more effective, but we made progress.”
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$1 Trillion Goal Remains a Challenge
Musk was repeatedly questioned about DOGE’s ambitious goal to cut $1 trillion in government spending. While he believes the target is still possible, he acknowledged that achieving it is “really difficult.”
“Our rate of savings per day is pretty good. We’re like $1.6 billion a day, 100 days in,” Musk claimed.
However, Musk suggested that reaching $1 trillion may depend on how much “pain” the cabinet and Congress are willing to endure to overcome resistance.
Resistance from the Federal Bureaucracy
When asked what was holding DOGE back, Musk pointed to “an entrenched set of interests” within the federal bureaucracy that favors the status quo and increased expenses.
“There’s a lot of inertia in the government,” Musk said. “This is a way to make a lot of enemies and not that many friends.”
A Matter of Political Will
Musk ended on a cautiously optimistic note, saying the cuts are “absolutely possible” — but only with support from Congress.
“Is there sufficient political will in Congress and elsewhere to actually do that?” he asked. “It remains to be seen. If we can do it, we will. Is it possible to do? Yes.”
