Jordan defends DOGE and Musk influence under Trump

Representative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, defended Elon Musk’s involvement in reshaping government operations through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

Jordan expressed his support for Musk’s aggressive approach but acknowledged that Congress would likely intervene at some stage.

Speaking with CNN’s Manu Raju, Jordan stated that he had no issues with the administration’s efforts to shut down specific agencies without congressional approval.

He pointed out that conservatives had long sought to dismantle the Department of Education. Jordan emphasized concerns over waste, fraud, and abuse, which Musk and his team had exposed.

Rather than addressing these inefficiencies, critics had chosen to attack Musk, Jordan argued.

Raju countered by noting that Congress holds the constitutional power of the purse, a fundamental check on the executive branch.

Jordan agreed but insisted that executive authority belonged to the president, not bureaucrats or career officials. 

He asserted that DOGE employees were merely carrying out the directives of the duly elected leader of the country.

Asked about Musk’s role in shuttering agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Jordan pointed to the electoral mandate.

He stated that voters had been aware of Trump’s policy intentions and had overwhelmingly supported him.

He reiterated that congressional involvement was inevitable but that the administration’s actions were aligned with campaign promises.

Jordan defended Musk’s work as a fulfillment of Trump’s vision and noted that the president had campaigned on eliminating bureaucratic waste.

He maintained that Americans had made a clear choice on November 5, and the results justified the administration’s actions. According to Jordan, Musk’s efforts were entirely appropriate within the framework of the executive branch.

Regarding oversight, Jordan dismissed concerns that additional safeguards were necessary to curb Musk’s influence. 

He argued that the press served as the primary check on Musk’s activities, ensuring accountability through continuous coverage and scrutiny. Jordan’s remarks highlighted the administration’s confidence in its approach and its willingness to challenge traditional governance norms.