Trump Super Bowl interview: US President taps Elon Musk to find ‘billions’ in fraud at Pentagon, says ‘in 24 hours …’

US President Donald Trump has outlined his plans to overhaul federal agencies, enlisting billionaire Elon Musk to spearhead efforts to eliminate what he calls “wasteful spending.”

Speaking in a pre-recorded interview with Fox News, ahead of the Super Bowl game between Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles he is attending, Trump detailed his vision for reshaping the government through the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Musk.

Trump on Musk’s role in Government Efficiency

Trump praised Musk’s involvement, emphasising that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was not seeking personal gain from his role.

“Look, I ran on this, and the people want me to find it. And I’ve had great help with Elon Musk, who’s been terrific,” Trump said.

When asked whether he trusted Musk with such a responsibility, Trump insisted the billionaire was deeply committed.

“Trust Elon? Oh, he’s not gaining anything. In fact, I wonder how he can devote the time to it. He’s so into it,” he added.

Targeting Government agencies

Trump revealed that he had instructed Musk to begin dismantling the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and planned to assign him further tasks soon.

“I told him do that, then I’m going to tell him very soon, like maybe in 24 hours, to go check the Department of Education. He’s going to find the same thing. Then I’m going to go — go to the military. Let’s check the military,” Trump stated.

The President claimed that these efforts would uncover “billions, hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse.”

TIME Magazine’s controversial cover

Trump’s remarks come after TIME Magazine’s latest cover, which features Musk seated at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office—an image that has sparked widespread debate about Musk’s increasing influence in government affairs.

Interview air time

The full interview is set to air at 3:00 p.m. ET on Fox News, with Trump expected to further elaborate on his administration’s changes in its first 100 days.

Elon Musk's expanding role in Government restructuring sparks controversy

Elon Musk’s leadership in restructuring key US government agencies through his position at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has drawn widespread concern from federal employees, legal experts, and lawmakers. With the Trump administration’s backing, Musk has deployed teams from Tesla and SpaceX to streamline federal operations, a move that has raised both praise and alarm.

USAID shutdown proposal faces backlash

Musk’s push to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which he has publicly referred to as a “criminal organization,” has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that shutting down USAID could have dire consequences for global humanitarian aid and US foreign policy, while supporters claim it is a necessary step in eliminating government inefficiencies.

Legal and ethical concerns

In a rare move, the Trump administration designated Musk as a “special government employee,” a status that allows him to work within the government without receiving a salary. However, this designation has ignited debates about conflicts of interest, especially given the substantial government contracts awarded to Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Tesla. Legal experts warn that Musk’s influence over government agencies could erode institutional independence and violate ethics regulations.

Mounting resistance and lawsuits

Federal employee unions and watchdog organisations have begun filing lawsuits to challenge Musk’s authority over government operations. Critics argue that his presence compromises agency autonomy and poses security risks, while supporters insist his reforms are essential for reducing bureaucratic waste.