Trump says he’ll put Elon Musk in charge of proposed efficiency commission ‘if he finds time’

Former President Donald Trump outlined his economic proposals if elected for a second term on Thursday, while also expressing his support for a government efficiency commission he has backed Elon Musk.

In an interview with The Economic Club of New York, Trump said the commission was established “at the request of Elon Musk” and Trump said the commission would be tasked with “conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government and making recommendations for drastic reforms.”

The former president said Musk had agreed to lead the task force “if he had the time.” Trump said the commission would develop an action plan to root out fraud and improper payments within six months.

“This will save trillions of dollars,” he said. “That’s a huge amount.”

Musk backed Trump after the failed July coup attempt and has been one of his most prominent supporters, arranging a one-on-one meeting interview with the former president on X, formerly known as Twitter, last month. The tech billionaire hinted at an openness to serving on the commission in a social media post Thursday morning, saying, “I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises,” though the move could raise concerns about a conflict of interest because of Musk’s business empire. He added that there would be “no compensation, title, or recognition needed.”

In his speech on Thursday, Trump also praised the economic achievements of his first term and criticized the current economic situation under the Biden administration, while contrasting his vision for the next four years with that of Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I’m here today to lay out my plan to save our country from this nightmare,” Trump said.

Trump has outlined an energy policy that would roll back regulations on American energy to cut energy prices in half within a year of taking office. He has promised to end electric vehicle mandates and campaign on reducing regulation. Trump has insisted on making America the “cryptocurrency and bitcoin capital of the world.” And he has promised that his Tax cuts in 2017 are permanent and “cut taxes even further,” while touting his tip tax repeal policy, which has caused a stir in recent weeks.

“I promise low taxes, low regulations, low energy costs, low interest rates, secure borders, low, low, low crime and rising incomes for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed,” Trump said, claiming his plan would “fast beat inflation, fast lower prices and rekindle explosive growth.”

Trump’s support for a government efficiency commission aimed at cutting costs comes amid criticism of the former president’s economic proposals that are likely to increase the national debt.

Meanwhile, both Trump and Harris are making their economic case to Americans as the campaign heats up. And next week, the two will face off first time on the debate stagewhere economic issues are likely to be at the forefront.

Harris on Wednesday proposed a policy for New Hampshire campaign stop aimed at spurring small business creation across the United States while calling for a smaller capital gains tax increase than President Biden has proposed.

The economic boost comes as Americans rank the economy as a priority ahead of Election Day, with Trump leading the charge for the economy as a major factor, according to CBS News. questionnaire.

“This election will decide whether we reward Kamala Harris with re-election and four more years of crime, economic disaster and international humiliation, or whether we reverse course and build back the greatest economy in the history of the world — which we had under Trump,” Trump said.

Olivia Rinaldi AND

Libby Cathey

contributed to this report.