Democrats laughed as President Trump claimed that “unelected bureaucrats” no longer control the government.

Laughter erupted in the House chamber as President Donald Trump declared that “unelected bureaucrats” no longer control the government. This moment occurred during his speech to a joint session of Congress, following his acknowledgment of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Republicans applauded the remark, Democratic lawmakers were seen pointing at Musk and expressing amusement. The laughter came in response to Trump’s assertion that the days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over. However, the relationship between Musk and DOGE has been a subject of controversy, with the White House attempting to distance Musk from the task force amidst lawsuits claiming violations of federal laws. Despite these legal challenges, DOGE has continued to make significant cuts to the federal workforce. As the IRS plans to reduce its staff by roughly half, the debate surrounding the role of unelected individuals in government is likely to persist.

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In conclusion, President Trump’s statement that “unelected bureaucrats” no longer control the government sparked laughter among Democrats in the House chamber. This moment occurred during his speech to Congress, where he acknowledged Elon Musk for his role in spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite the laughter, Republicans applauded Trump’s remark. However, the relationship between Musk and DOGE has faced controversy, with lawsuits accusing the task force of violating federal laws. The White House has attempted to distance Musk from DOGE, stating in a court filing that he is not the head of the task force. Moving forward, DOGE continues to make significant cuts to the federal workforce, even as it faces legal challenges. The debate over the influence of unelected individuals in government is likely to persist.