Can the new US department of government efficiency ensure fairness for all?

File: Elon Musk (L) and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the new US ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in the Trump administration. Both Ramaswamy and Musk lead companies with existing, lucrative government contracts. Their appointment raises immediate questions about potential conflicts of interest . Musk’s dislike for unions raise major concern about ensuring fairness for all

Ya. Libnan Editorial

The labor movement made notable strides under outgoing President Joe Biden, celebrated as the most pro-union president in recent history. However, with the recent appointment of entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency under President-elect Donald Trump, some of those gains may now be in jeopardy.

President-elect Trump has announced this new department as the “Manhattan Project” of our era, promising drastic reform by July 4, 2026. He envisions major cuts, streamlined processes, and increased efficiency across federal agencies. While details are limited, Trump’s focus on reining in “bloated” government structures has sparked both anticipation and concern.

Elon Musk, one of Trump’s most prominent campaign supporters, has pledged to help slash $2 trillion from the federal budget, though he has yet to clarify which programs or departments will face the ax. Musk’s own history with labor relations has drawn sharp criticism—he has openly opposed unions, referring to them as fostering a “lords-and-peasants” divide. Musk’s approach to labor at Tesla, where he famously threatened to strip stock options from employees if they organized, raises questions about his potential influence on a department that will play a central role in shaping the federal workforce.

Musk’s vocal opposition to unions is well-documented. He recently stated, “I think unions naturally try to create negativity in a company.” His stance fuels concerns that the Department of Government Efficiency may prioritize drastic cost-cutting measures over fair treatment and workers’ rights, potentially disrupting the balanced coexistence of labor, business, and government that is essential to a stable society.

For a nation to thrive, it must find harmony among its workforce, government, and business community. These three elements must coexist with mutual respect, regulated by a fair authority that ensures balanced labor relations and efficient government processes. In an ideal world, companies would treat employees fairly, and unions would not be necessary. But without assurances of equitable treatment, unions remain a critical safeguard for workers.

While making government more efficient is a worthy goal, the architects of such changes must also be champions of fairness. Leaders like Musk, with his history of strong anti-union sentiments, may need to balance their approach with respect for workers’ rights if this department is to achieve genuine, sustainable efficiency.

As the Department of Government Efficiency takes shape, the question remains: Can it pursue reforms that respect both the workers who keep the nation running and the businesses that drive its economy? For this endeavor to succeed, harmony between government, business, and labor must be prioritized, ensuring that efficiency does not come at the expense of fairness and respect for the American workforce.