Jim Jordan Says Trump's and Musk's DOGE Has 'Maybe' Made 'Some Mistakes'

Source: Newsweek

Published Feb 23, 2025 at 12:31 PM EST | Updated Feb 23, 2025 at 1:44 PM EST


Speaking about recent government cuts on Sunday, Representative Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, said President Donald Trump's and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has "maybe" made "some mistakes." Newsweek has reached out to Jordan's office via email and DOGE via direct message on X, formerly Twitter.

Why It Matters

Trump created DOGE, a task force led by Musk, to reduce government costs and the federal workforce. In its first month of operation, it has restructured multiple federal agencies and recommended mass layoffs, sparking backlash and concern from Trump critics, as well as from some Republicans. Musk has called for sweeping cuts to federal government spending, claiming it should be reduced by up to $2 trillion annually. Supporters say this will boost efficiency and help tackle the national debt, while critics argue it will reduce access to government services. While the cuts are expected to continue, there are several legal challenges aiming to stop the administration's efforts as the cases are expected to play out in the courts.

What To Know

In a Fox News Sunday interview with host Shannon Bream, the congressman defended DOGE's efforts but said that it has "made some mistakes." "Maybe there have been some mistakes made, but I think the intensity and the focus on getting rid of the wasteful spending—the one guy who can unlock people who somehow get locked in a restroom in a national park? This is ridiculous. So, the arguments you are seeing from the left are pretty darn crazy when you think about 'oh we are spending money for crazy things,'" Jordan said.

While Jordan did not clarify what mistakes he is referring to, his remarks come as DOGE's access to government payment systems and people's personal information have been met with backlash from some lawmakers, government officials and advocacy groups. Several thousand national parks and forests employees were abruptly terminated last week by the Trump administration, including the only locksmith at Yosemite National Park in California, which Jordan seemingly referred to.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/jim-jordan-admits-maybe-doge-made-some-mistakes-fox-news-2035007