Trump Says Musk’s DOGE Team Will Investigate Pentagon And Education Department For Wasteful Spending

President Donald Trump has announced that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will expand its review of federal spending, targeting the Department of Education and the Pentagon in the coming days. Trump revealed the plan in an interview with Fox News before the Super Bowl, stating that Musk will begin investigating the Education Department within 24 hours.

“I ran on this, and the people want me to find it,” Trump said. “I’ve had great help with Elon Musk, who’s been terrific.” He added that Musk’s work is not for personal gain, calling him “so into it” despite his other commitments.

The investigation into the Education Department aligns with longstanding conservative criticism of the agency. Trump has previously suggested reducing its size or eliminating it altogether. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently stated that options for restructuring or abolishing the department are under consideration.

Following the review of the Education Department, Musk will focus on military spending. “Let’s check the military,” Trump said. “We’re going to find billions, hundreds of billions, of dollars of fraud and abuse. And you know, the people elected me on that.”

The Defense Department, which has received another funding increase for fiscal year 2025, has struggled to pass a full audit. Its budget now exceeds $900 billion, making it one of the largest federal expenditures.

Musk’s cost-cutting efforts have already sparked controversy. His team at DOGE has been eliminating positions across multiple agencies, offering buyouts to federal employees, and placing all USAID workers on leave as part of an overhaul of foreign aid programs.