Trump's shoutout to Musk during 1st Congress address: ‘He didn’t need…'

President Donald Trump on Tuesday lauded billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk for his efforts in spearheading the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative aimed at streamlining federal operations.

Speaking during his address to Congress, Trump took a moment to acknowledge Musk, who was seated in the gallery. As Republican lawmakers applauded, the president expressed his gratitude for Musk’s contributions to the administration’s efforts to trim government bureaucracy.

"Thank you Elon, he's working very hard," Trump said during an address to Congress, after Musk stood up in the gallery to applause from Republican lawmakers.

“He didn’t need this. Thank you very much. We appreciate it,” Trump added.

What is DOGE?

The Department of Government Efficiency, a new initiative under the Trump administration, has been tasked with identifying redundancies and inefficiencies within the federal government. While specific details about the department’s initiatives remain unclear, the president emphasized its role in creating a leaner, more effective government.

Trump also used his speech to announce his commitment to expanding domestic production of critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are essential for various industries, including defense and technology. He described his plan as “historic action” and a major step toward reducing U.S. dependence on foreign supply chains.

In highlighting Musk’s role, Trump emphasized that the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX had taken on the government role voluntarily. “He didn’t need this,” Trump remarked, reiterating his appreciation for Musk’.

Trump promises to make America un-woke

Earlier in his speech, Trump took credit for “swift and unrelenting action” in reorienting the nation's economy, immigration and foreign policy as he updated Congress and the American people on his turbulent first few weeks in office, which have featured a dismantling of the federal government, tensions with America’s allies and a trade war compounding economic uncertainty.

His address was the latest marker in Trump’s takeover of the nation's capital, where the Republican-led House and Senate have done little to restrain the president as he and his allies work to slash the size of the federal government and remake America’s place in the world. With a tight grip on his party, Trump has been emboldened to take sweeping actions after overcoming impeachments in his first term and criminal prosecutions in between his two administrations.