Elon Musk’s growing influence over multiple federal agencies has ignited debate in Washington, as House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the billionaire’s role in the Trump administration.
Fox News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram directly questioned Johnson about the unprecedented authority Musk has been granted, asking whether Congress was willingly ceding its constitutional powers.
Musk’s Expanding Authority Under Trump Administration
President Donald Trump appointed Musk to lead the “Department of Government Efficiency,” an advisory group meant to identify cost-cutting opportunities. However, Musk has since gained broad control over several agencies, including the Treasury, Department of Education, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the General Services Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management.
His involvement has led to sweeping changes, including the near shutdown of USAID. The agency’s website now simply states that employees have been placed on leave. Additionally, reports indicate that Musk’s team has restricted access to sensitive government databases, raising concerns about data security and oversight.
During a press conference, Pergram asked Johnson why Congress was allowing Musk to exert such authority, questioning whether Republicans were contradicting their long-held stance against unelected bureaucrats controlling government operations.
Speaker Johnson Defends Musk’s Influence
Johnson pushed back against Pergram’s concerns, denying that Musk’s influence undermines congressional authority.
“I’ve gotta challenge the premise of the question, Chad,” Johnson said. “You know me. I’m a fierce advocate and defender of Article I… We are the legislative branch, and we will vigorously defend that.”
He dismissed concerns that Trump and Musk’s actions posed a constitutional threat, arguing that the executive branch has the right to evaluate and improve agency operations.
However, critics argue that Musk’s unchecked access, particularly at the Treasury Department, where he and his associates reportedly have control over sensitive financial data, is a significant breach of government protocol.
Democrats Demand Accountability as Federal Employees Raise Alarms
Government employees impacted by Musk’s actions report being locked out of their computer systems and barred from entering their workplaces. Many have spoken out, warning that Musk’s team has not been transparent about their activities within agencies.
Democratic lawmakers have called for Trump to rein in Musk’s influence, demanding clarity on the tech mogul’s role, particularly at the Treasury Department, where his staffers reportedly have access to Social Security numbers and banking information.
Concerns deepened after reports surfaced that Musk’s associates installed a private server at the Office of Personnel Management, effectively giving them control over a massive federal database.
As the debate intensifies, pressure is mounting on Congress to assert its authority and ensure federal agencies remain under proper oversight. However, with Trump standing by Musk’s role, it remains uncertain how lawmakers will address the growing controversy.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.