President Donald Trump and Elon Musk look like they’re having a blast in Washington, clear-cutting elements of the federal government and seizing power from states and Congress. Their glee is at odds with the growing evidence of repercussions and anger out in the country at their approach of cutting first and asking questions later.

Donald Trump appealed to Elon Musk for more intensive implementation of reforms in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump emphasized that he would like Musk to act "more aggressively" in implementing reforms and cutting spending.