Even Democrats appreciate him, but won't admit it: Trump's praise for Elon Musk

US President Donald Trump lauded billionaire Elon Musk during his joint address to Congress on Tuesday, praising the Tesla CEO for his leadership of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He remarked that even Democrats appreciate Musk's efforts but are unwilling to admit it.

Trump credited Musk with identifying "appalling waste" in federal spending, calling his work instrumental in streamlining government operations since he assumed office on January 20. As the president mentioned Musk, the tech mogul rose from his seat to acknowledge the appreciation, drawing cheers and applause from Republican lawmakers.

"Elon has been working hard, doing an incredible job with DOGE," Trump said. "He's finding waste like no one has ever seen before."

Seizing the moment to take a swipe at Democrats, Trump quipped, "Even this side appreciates him, they just don't want to admit it," prompting laughter from Republican lawmakers while Democrats remained largely silent.

Musk, smiling, gave a brief wave as the applause continued before taking his seat. His role in DOGE has been a focal point of Trump's second-term agenda, with the administration positioning the initiative as a key effort to cut bureaucratic inefficiencies and curb unnecessary federal expenditures.

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