In a recent announcement, former President Donald Trump revealed his plans to enlist tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to lead a "government efficiency commission" if he secures a second term as the US president. Speaking at the Economic Club of New York, Trump shared that Musk had agreed to spearhead a task force responsible for conducting a comprehensive financial and performance audit of the entire federal government. The aim of this audit is to identify areas for drastic reforms and recommend ways to improve efficiency.

Trump and Musk have been hinting at this idea for several weeks, but Trump's recent comments demonstrated his strongest indication yet of Musk's possible role in his future administration. Taking to Twitter, Musk expressed his willingness to serve, stating that no pay, title, or recognition would be required. While the two have not always seen eye-to-eye, they have developed a friendlier relationship publicly during the ongoing 2024 US presidential election.

The endorsement from the controversial tech billionaire came in July after Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania. Musk has also claimed to contribute financially to a fundraising group supporting the Republican campaign. Both individuals believe in the need for a government efficiency commission to evaluate sensible and non-sensible spending, ensuring that the country lives within its means.

Musk even shared an AI-generated image of himself at a podium labeled "Department of Government Efficiency" on social media, further emphasizing his commitment to the cause. Campaign advisor Brian Hughes affirmed Trump's seriousness in working with Musk, noting the president's excitement about having someone as dedicated to America's future as Musk involved in improving government efficiency.

Trump made this announcement to the exclusive audience of business leaders at the Economics Club of New York, an esteemed organization that has hosted influential figures like US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in the past. The former president focused primarily on economic matters, advocating for tax cuts, deregulation, and the exploration of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling during his speech. He also proposed different tax rates for companies, with a particularly low rate of 15% for those manufacturing in the US.

While concerns were raised regarding potential budget deficits due to the proposed tax cuts, Trump assured the audience that economic growth would make up for any losses. He also suggested the creation of a national investment fund using tariffs collected from international trade. Attendees at the event reacted positively to Trump's discussion of Musk's endorsement, with many clapping in support.

During the question-and-answer session, Trump was asked about potential rollbacks of sanctions on Russia, but he did not provide a direct response. Instead, he voiced his preference for using sanctions sparingly to avoid pushing countries towards seeking alternatives to the US financial system and the dollar.

In the midst of ongoing legal battles and discussions surrounding the 2020 election results, the former president's announcement regarding Musk's potential involvement in a government efficiency commission adds a new dimension to his plans for a second term. As the election date draws nearer, Trump's supporters eagerly await further details on how his collaboration with Musk would unfold, while critics question the implications of involving such a high-profile figure in government affairs.