‘Getting a lot of death threats’: Elon Musk speaks out on backlash over federal spending cuts

Elon Musk joined President Donald Trump and his Cabinet on Thursday for the primary assembly of Trump’s second time period, amid rising criticism over cost-cutting measures led by Musk’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk, who serves as head of DOGE and senior adviser to Trump, defended his aggressive efforts to cut back federal spending, saying that he is “getting a lot of death threats” because of the federal cuts. “I can, like, stack them up,” Musk mentioned, pointing out, “But if we don’t do this, America will go bankrupt. That’s why it has to be done.”

Wearing a black T-shirt labelled “tech support,” and cap with the well-known “MAGA” tag, Musk highlighted his initiatives to downsize the federal workforce in what observers famous as a rare demonstration of his affect inside the Trump administration, reported USA in the present day.
President Trump backed Musk through the assembly, asking cupboard members, “Is anybody unhappy with Elon?” He then jokingly added, “If you are, well, throw them out of here,” prompting laughter and applause. Trump acknowledged minor disagreements however remarked, “For the most part, I think everyone’s not only happy, they’re thrilled.”
Under Musk’s management, DOGE has applied sweeping cuts throughout federal departments, slashing budgets and shedding tens of 1000’s of staff.

The cost-cutting marketing campaign has provoked sturdy backlash, together with threats towards Musk.
Last week, David Cherry of Palmyra, Indiana, was arrested for posting death threats towards Musk on X, the social media platform owned by the billionaire. Authorities found an AR-15-style rifle, a handgun, ammunition, and a ballistic vest at Cherry’s residence, in accordance with the Washington Times. He was charged with intimidation.