On Tuesday, conservative commentator George Conway dismissed President-elect Trump’s proposed advisory group aimed at reducing federal spending and the size of the government, calling it “nonexistent.”
In an interview with MSNBC’s Alex Wagner, Conway responded to Trump’s announcement of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy leading the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), stating, “It’s just a nonexistent department.”
Conway continued, noting that it likely wouldn’t be an official government department. He referenced the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which regulates ethics for individuals consulted on government operations, suggesting there are specific rules that must be followed. “I’m not an expert in that, but we’ll probably learn more about it soon,” he added.
Experts warn that Musk’s roles at Tesla and SpaceX could undermine DOGE’s impartiality
Trump outlined that the DOGE would work to “slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures,” and reorganize federal agencies. Additionally, it would “provide advice and guidance from outside of government” while collaborating with the White House Office of Management and Budget. The president-elect also mentioned that the group’s work would culminate by July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The idea for such a group was initially discussed on the campaign trail by Trump and Musk. However, concerns have emerged about potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding Musk’s dual roles as a tech leader and a potential advisor to the government.
Former government officials and ethics experts recently voiced concerns that Musk’s leadership of a government efficiency panel, which could influence agencies overseeing government contracts and subsidies for his companies like Tesla and SpaceX, might jeopardize the group’s impartiality and fairness. Following his election victory, Trump has started unveiling his selections for key Cabinet and administration roles.
