Elon Musk’s statements during the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday received acclaim from those who supported the budget reductions implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“I wasn’t really keen on entering the political arena. It reached a point where there was simply no alternative,” Musk commented at the Maryland event, sporting a black MAGA hat and sunglasses. “The measures we’re executing, backed by the president and the agencies, will safeguard Medicare and Social Security.”
“That’s my motivation for doing this,” he continued. “I assessed the bigger picture, and it’s clear things are spiraling out of control.”
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“A nation is akin to an individual,” he elaborated. “[A] nation overspends, leading to bankruptcy just like an individual who spends beyond their means. Addressing these challenges isn’t optional; it’s imperative.”
Matthew Kochman, a real estate broker from New York, stated that the cuts from DOGE “likely prevented the nation from financial ruin.”
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“I viewed it as all just common sense,” Kochman remarked regarding Musk’s statements.
When asked about the suggestion to allocate 20% of the cut funds towards a stimulus check for American taxpayers, some questioned whether the money should instead contribute to paying down the immense national debt exceeding $36 trillion.
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“I’m not entirely on board with sending money back. I would prefer funds be allocated to reduce our debt, as it’s an existential threat,” stated Angie Carrai from Vienna, Virginia, noting that Musk’s comments resonated with many regarding wasteful tax spending on “absurd” programs.
On the other hand, Kochman expressed belief that taxpayers deserve some of their money returned, while also supporting debt reduction.
Speaker Mike Johnson has echoed concerns regarding the proposals from Musk and Trump, indicating that the U.S. must “reduce the credit card” with the goal of slashing $2 trillion through DOGE.
Pat Dennis, president of American Bridge 21st Century, a left-leaning opposition research firm, shared his worries with Fox News Digital after watching Musk’s address, particularly regarding potential cuts to programs crucial for Americans.
“He mentioned cutting programs that everyday Americans depend on, such as Medicaid,” Dennis noted. “The notion that significant portions of these programs can be unilaterally eliminated due to allegations of fraud is unrealistic.”
“People depend on these services; voters count on them; families rely on them; even those in Republican districts are beneficiaries,” he emphasized.
Recently, DOGE has attracted attention for targeting funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and various cabinet agencies’ grants.
Contributions to this report by Fox News’ Peter Pinedo and Liz Elkind.
Original article source: ‘Saved the country’: CPAC attendees see silver lining after Elon Musk’s DOGE speech
