After taking the recent buyout offer, some employees were fired, a source said.
President Donald Trump's administration, including Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, is continuing its sweeping effort to cut much of the federal government -- but it's being met with legal challenges.
Trump is also making his second administration's first forays on the diplomatic front with calls to Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy on ending the 3-year-old war that began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.
And a day after Hamas released more hostages taken when it attacked Israel in October 2023, Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the militant organization needs to be "eliminated."
When asked who Musk works closely with when making decisions, the billionaire replied that he works "with agency heads" and "there are certain checks in place."
He added that they are sure to check in with the president to make sure they are following his wishes.
“I talk to Trump almost every day,” he added.
Trump again spoke about his deadline for Hamas to release hostages by Saturday, repeating he doubts that Hamas will comply.
"We had a busy day today, the King [Abdullah of Jordan] just left, and we -- we've had a great discussion, terrific discussion, concerning Gaza and everything else. We had discussions also about Saturday at 12 o'clock. It's going to be a big moment. We'll see what happens. I don't expect much happening with these people, but we'll see what happens," Trump said.
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
Trump was asked about the recent court orders that temporarily blocked DOGE's actions, including budget and personnel cuts.
The president said he'll "always abide by the courts," but would appeal the decision.
"But appeals take a long time and I hope if you show a judge a corrupt check, I hope a judge would say 'Give it back to the taxpayers,'" Trump said.
Musk was asked to elaborate on fraud he sees in the U.S. Treasury, but he didn't give a direct answer.
"The stuff we're doing with Treasury is so basic, it's hard to believe it hasn't happened already. Like payment categorization codes," he claimed without providing further details.
-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart
While speaking in the Oval Office alongside the president, Musk spoke on checks and balances and assured reporters that all of DOGE’s actions are “fully transparent." He added that if there’s a conflict, people will say so.
“All of the things we're doing are very simple and basic,” Musk said. “At Treasury, it's about having sensible checks and balances in the system to make sure taxpayer money is spent well.”
Trump said that there are a lot of kickbacks and Musk agreed.
The president also weighed in regarding the legal battles their efforts have faced, referencing “fraud and abuse” they have uncovered and that an “activist judge” wants to stop them.
"And I hope the court system lets us do what we're going to do," Trump said.
When asked about criticism that Musk is taking over the government, the billionaire said Trump ran on reform and “that’s what democracy is all about.”
-ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart
