Trump urges Musk to be more aggressive in bid to shrink U.S. government

President Donald Trump on Saturday called on billionaire Elon Musk to accelerate efforts to shrink the federal government, despite growing backlash over mass layoffs and deep spending cuts.

"Elon is doing a great job, but I would like to see him get more aggressive," Trump wrote in an all-caps post on his Truth Social platform. "Remember, we have a country to save, but ultimately, to make greater than ever before. MAGA!"

Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new entity created by Trump to overhaul federal agencies. The department has already dismissed tens of thousands of federal employees, including scientists and park rangers, many of whom were still on probationary status.

The sweeping cuts have sparked widespread criticism from labor unions and government watchdogs, who warn they could severely impact essential public services.

The White House has defended the move, arguing it is necessary to reduce wasteful spending. Neither Musk nor the DOGE department has publicly responded to Trump's latest remarks.