Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has positioned billionaire Elon Musk as a central figure in executing his administration's sweeping executive orders, hailing him as an essential force in ensuring the directives are implemented without delay.

In a joint interview aired on Fox News, Trump praised Musk, who was his top donor during the 2024 presidential campaign, for his role in leading the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The agency’s declared mission is to eliminate "waste, fraud, and abuse" in federal spending.

“One of the biggest functions of the DOGE team is just making sure that the presidential executive orders are actually carried out,” Musk said during the interview.

Trump, who has signed numerous executive orders in recent weeks—many of which are already facing legal challenges—expressed frustration over bureaucratic resistance to his policies. He credited Musk and his team with ensuring compliance across the federal government.

"You write an executive order, and you think it's done. You send it out, and it doesn't get done," Trump said. "And some guy that maybe didn’t want to do it, all of a sudden, he’s signing it."

Expanding White House Control Over Agencies
The interview came shortly after Trump signed a controversial executive order expanding White House oversight over federal regulatory agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The order, expected to face legal challenges, requires agencies to submit regulatory proposals for presidential review.

"For the Federal Government to be truly accountable to the American people, officials who wield vast executive power must be supervised and controlled by the people's elected President," the order states.

Musk, known for his ventures in technology and space exploration, took a lighthearted approach to his role in the administration, wearing a T-shirt labeled "Tech Support" during the interview. Addressing concerns that he is wielding excessive influence, Musk downplayed his authority, insisting he is merely facilitating Trump's agenda.

"The president is the elected representative of the people, so it's representing the will of the people," Musk said. "If the bureaucracy is fighting the will of the people, then what we live in is a bureaucracy, not a democracy."

Speculation Over Musk’s Influence
Musk's growing role in the administration has sparked public debate over the extent of his influence in decision-making. Some critics have questioned whether he is operating as a de facto leader within the government.

Trump, however, dismissed speculation of any rivalry or internal discord. "Actually, Elon called me," Trump said. "He said, 'You know, they're trying to drive us apart.' I said, 'Absolutely.'"

Despite ongoing legal challenges and scrutiny, Trump remained confident in the public’s support. "The people are smart," he said. "They get it."