Trump rattles off ‘flagrant scams’ uncovered by DOGE, takes aim at Fort Knox in CPAC speech

President Trump Celebrates First Month in Office, Targets Government Waste and Corruption

President Donald Trump marked his first four weeks back in the White House with a spirited speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, touting his administration’s aggressive efforts to combat government waste, fraud, and abuse. A key pillar of his campaign, Trump highlighted the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new agency he established to root out corruption and inefficiency in federal spending. Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter, has been tapped to lead DOGE’s efforts, which have already sparked controversy and criticism from Democratic lawmakers and federal employees.

In his speech, Trump praised Musk’s leadership, saying, “He’s doing a great job. Elon is doing a great job.” DOGE has been at the center of a firestorm as it investigates and audits various federal agencies to uncover questionable expenditures. Trump outlined several examples of what he described as “flagrant scams,” including "$520 million for a consultant on environmental, social governance and investments in Africa," "$25 million to promote biodiversity conservation and socially responsible behavior in Colombia," and "$40 million to improve the social and economic inclusion of sedentary migrants." He also criticized taxpayer-funded initiatives such as "$42 million for social and behavior change in Uganda," "$10 million for Mozambique medical male circumcisions," and other costly projects that he argued were not in the best interest of American taxpayers.

Trump’s speech at CPAC coincided with a broader push by his administration to restore accountability and transparency in government operations. Earlier in the day, he took to his Truth Social platform to encourage Musk to “get more aggressive” with DOGE’s work, a call to action that Musk quickly acknowledged by vowing to intensify the agency’s efforts. Musk later announced on X (formerly Twitter) that all federal employees would soon receive an email asking them to account for their accomplishments from the previous week, with the warning that failure to respond would be interpreted as a resignation. This move is part of Trump’s broader initiative to purge the federal bureaucracy of what he calls “unnecessary, incompetent, and corrupt” officials.

Trump and Musk’s Mission to Restore Accountability and Transparency

One of the most striking moments of Trump’s speech came when he revealed plans to visit Fort Knox, the U.S. Bullion Depository in Kentucky, alongside Musk. The president expressed skepticism about the purity of the gold reserves stored at Fort Knox, which are estimated to be worth $425 billion. “We are going to Fort Knox,” Trump declared. “I’m going to go with Elon. And would anybody like to join us? Because we want to see if the gold is still there. We want to see.” He described the vault as having “solid granite” walls five feet thick and a front door that requires six strong men to open, joking about the possibility that the vault might be empty. While some dismissed the announcement as a publicity stunt, it underscored Trump’s commitment to uncovering what he believes is widespread corruption and mismanagement within the federal government.

The Fort Knox visit is not without precedent. The vault has been opened to public officials and journalists in the past, most notably in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and again in 1974 by Treasury Secretary William Simon. During Trump’s first presidency, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Senator Mitch McConnell also inspected the vault. Trump’s announcement has reignited debates about the transparency of the nation’s gold reserves, with some Republican lawmakers supporting his call for an independent audit.

Deportations, Tariffs, and Trump’s Broad Policy Agenda

Trump’s speech at CPAC also highlighted his administration’s efforts to address illegal immigration and unfair trade practices. He claimed that his policies had freed American communities from the grip of “illegal alien criminals,” citing examples such as Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio. “We’re rescuing the Americans whose jobs have been stolen, whose wages have been robbed, and whose way of life has been absolutely destroyed,” he said, reiterating his nationalist platform. Trump also previewed plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on foreign trading partners, a move aimed at leveling the playing field for American businesses and workers.

The deportation of illegal immigrants has been a cornerstone of Trump’s immigration agenda, which emphasizes border security and the enforcement of existing laws. His administration has faced criticism from human rights groups and Democrats, who argue that these policies are inhumane and undermine the nation’s values of compassion and inclusivity. However, Trump frames his approach as a necessary step to protect American jobs and communities, a message that resonates strongly with his conservative base.

The Backlash Against DOGE and Musk’s Leadership

While Trump and Musk have garnered praise from their supporters for their efforts to root out waste and corruption, DOGE’s work has also faced significant pushback. Democratic lawmakers and federal employees have filed lawsuits to halt the agency’s investigations and audits, arguing that they are politically motivated and overreach the bounds of executive authority. Critics accuse Trump of using DOGE as a tool to target bureaucratic agencies that oppose his agenda, rather than conducting impartial reviews of government spending.

Musk’s leadership of DOGE has further polarized the debate, with some questioning whether a private-sector entrepreneur should be entrusted with such a sensitive and powerful role. Musk’s announcement that federal employees would be required to report their weekly accomplishments or face resignation has drawn accusations of intimidation and harassment. Opponents argue that this approach could lead to mass resignations, particularly among career civil servants who have dedicated their lives to public service. These criticisms notwithstanding, Trump and Musk remain undeterred, framing their efforts as a steadfast commitment to accountability and transparency in government.

Conclusion: AWhirlwind First Month and the Path Ahead

President Trump’s first month back in office has been marked by a frenetic pace of activity, with executive orders, investigations, and high-profile announcements dominating the headlines. His speech at CPAC encapsulated the core themes of his presidency: combating government waste, restoring American sovereignty, and confronting corruption at all levels. While these initiatives have galvanized his base, they have also sparked fierce resistance from opponents who view them as overreaching and divisive.

As Trump looks ahead, the challenges he faces are significant. The investigations led by DOGE, the planned visit to Fort Knox, and the broader push to reshape the federal bureaucracy will likely be met with continued legal and political challenges. Nevertheless, Trump’s unwavering confidence and determination to disrupt the status quo ensure that his second term will remain a source of intense debate and scrutiny. For his supporters, his actions represent a bold step toward reclaiming control of a government they believe has been hijacked by elites and special interests. For his critics, they serve as a reminder of the risks of unchecked executive power and the erosion of democratic norms. Whatever the outcome, Trump’s whirlwind first month has set the stage for a contentious and transformative presidency.