President Donald Trump announced plans to direct Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative to investigate wasteful spending within the Education and Defense Departments. The remarks came during his pre-Super Bowl interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier on Sunday.

Trump praised Musk for his commitment to streamlining government operations, stating that the billionaire entrepreneur has been instrumental in exposing inefficiencies.

“He’s not gaining anything. In fact, I wonder how he can devote the time to it,” Trump told Baier.

“I’m going to tell him very soon… to go check the Department of Education. He’s going to find the same thing. Then I’m going to go into the military. Let’s check the military. We’re going to find billions, hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse, and the people elected me on that.”

Elon Musk Called This Financial News 'Terrifying'

The full interview, scheduled to air at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, will cover Trump’s second-term agenda, including his policy objectives for the first 100 days in office, according to a Fox News preview.

Trump reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating government waste, emphasizing the public’s demand for fiscal accountability.

“The people want me to find it [the wasteful spending],” Trump said.

“And I’ve had great help with Elon Musk, who’s been terrific.”

NEW: Trump visibly surprised after Fox News’ Bret Baier asks him if he trusts Elon Musk, says he is going to send Musk after the Department of Education next.

Baier: “Bottom line, you say you trust [Elon]?”

Trump: “Trust Elon? He’s not gaining anything. In fact, I wonder how he… pic.twitter.com/zZlxetgc7H

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 9, 2025

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Musk’s DOGE initiative has gained national attention in recent weeks, as his team of top-tier programmers and engineers have begun analyzing government agencies for potential inefficiencies and unnecessary spending.

The effort has sparked strong opposition from congressional Democrats, many of whom have attempted to physically intervene.

On Friday, a group of 30 House Democrats sought entry into the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., to meet with Acting Education Secretary Denise L. Carter.

However, security prevented their access to the building.

BREAKING: Rep. Maxine Waters and other Democrat Congress members are staging an insurrection at the Dept of Education over Trump and Elon Musk, but they’re getting the door slammed in their faces. pic.twitter.com/4QbgT0ku1Z

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 7, 2025

Trump has previously indicated his interest in dismantling the Department of Education, a process that would require congressional approval.

However, the administration is expected to pursue executive actions aimed at reducing the department’s size and influence.

According to a White House official, Trump is preparing an executive order that will direct the Education Department to draft a legislative plan for Congress.

Additionally, the order will require the department to propose staff reductions and function limitations in an effort to streamline operations.

Further portions of Trump’s Fox News interview will air at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, just hours before the kickoff of Super Bowl LIX.

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