-(4)-1731951738-q80.webp){kind=small}
Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly downplayed concerns about Elon Musk’s role in the federal government on Thursday, arguing that the billionaire lacks the authority to stage any kind of political takeover.
His remarks come amid increasing scrutiny over Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his push to cut trillions in federal spending.
“I’m not worried that he’s going to do a coup d’état,” O’Reilly told NewsNation. “I’m not worried because he doesn’t have any power. He can’t subpoena anybody. He’s just an adviser.”
“He presents to Trump,” O’Reilly continued. “Trump does what he wants.”
The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has been operating since President Trump signed an executive order creating the entity just over two weeks ago.
Musk, who vowed to cut $2 trillion from federal spending, has since been at the center of a political firestorm, with Democrats questioning the extent of his influence in government decision-making.
Criticism has mounted particularly over DOGE’s investigations into federal agencies, most notably the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Protesters and lawmakers alike have raised concerns that Musk wields too much power for someone who was never elected or confirmed by the Senate.
Despite these concerns, O’Reilly dismissed fears that Musk could become an unchecked force in government.
“Think this is just a hyped-up story. Doesn’t mean very much,” he said. “I’m happy if Elon Musk uncovers wasteful spending.”
DOGE has been a subject of controversy since its inception. While it is not a federal agency nor a Cabinet-level position, it has been treated similarly in terms of influence and responsibility. However, its classification allows Musk to operate outside traditional government oversight structures.
Unlike other high-ranking government officials, Musk has not had to go through a Senate confirmation hearing. This has only fueled concerns that he has been granted significant power without the usual checks and balances.
The White House has designated Musk as a special government employee with a limited contract, a classification that exempts him from certain financial disclosure and transparency regulations that typically apply to high-level government officials.
The Biden administration’s allies and several ethics watchdog groups have voiced alarm about this arrangement, arguing that Musk’s financial and business interests could create potential conflicts of interest.
Critics argue that the lack of oversight allows him to operate with little accountability while potentially shaping government policies that could benefit his private ventures.
Defenders of Musk’s role, including O’Reilly, argue that DOGE’s mission is about efficiency and eliminating waste, not consolidating power. Musk himself has maintained that his involvement is strictly to streamline government operations and reduce unnecessary spending.
His critics, however, argue that his role has already gone beyond mere oversight. Reports have surfaced that DOGE has pressured agencies to cut entire programs, including funding for USAID, and that the department’s reach is growing faster than originally anticipated.
Musk’s involvement in federal operations has drawn comparisons to past business leaders who have stepped into government advisory roles. However, the level of access and authority he appears to have within DOGE has set him apart from previous cases.
Some legal analysts argue that while Musk may not have formal power in the traditional sense, his influence over Trump and federal decision-making is undeniable. With Trump backing his cost-cutting efforts, DOGE has quickly become one of the most powerful and controversial entities in the administration.
Trump has remained supportive of Musk’s role, often dismissing criticism of DOGE as political attacks from the left. He has also reiterated that Musk’s mission aligns with his broader goal of shrinking government bureaucracy and cutting wasteful spending.
Still, some Republicans have voiced concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding Musk’s role. Senate Republicans have quietly discussed potential hearings to examine how DOGE operates and whether further oversight is necessary.
As political battles over DOGE continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether Musk’s role in government will expand further or face additional legal challenges.
What is clear is that his involvement has already reshaped discussions about government efficiency, accountability, and the influence of private business leaders in public administration.
For now, O’Reilly remains unconvinced that Musk poses a significant threat to democracy. “People need to calm down,” he said. “At the end of the day, he’s just an adviser. Trump is the one calling the shots.”
