Cenk Uygur Proposes Pentagon Budget Cuts in Exchange with Elon Musk

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Progressive media host Cenk Uygur engaged in a public conversation with Elon Musk regarding potential ways to improve the Department of Defense‘s budget efficiency. This exchange occurred after Musk was appointed to a new federal department aimed at increasing government efficiency by President-elect Donald Trump.

Uygur, who is known for hosting the progressive news show «The Young Turks,» reached out to Musk on social media platform X with proposals for restructuring military spending. «Hey @elonmusk, put me in charge of the Pentagon,» Uygur suggested. «I’ll slash $400 billion easily. That’ll get you 20% to your goal of $2 trillion right out of the gate. I attended Wharton three years before you, and I own a media company, so I know how to run a business. If you really want to cut, put me in, coach.»

Musk, who has taken a proactive role under the new administration’s directive, invited Uygur to offer specific budgetary suggestions. In response, Uygur proposed a decade-long moratorium on defense officials transitioning to contractor jobs to curb wasteful expenditures. «The generals are not allowed to get a job with defense contractors for ten years,» Uygur recommended, emphasizing that this would reduce wasteful spending associated with planned post-service careers in defense industries.

Following the exchange, Uygur expressed a newfound appreciation for what he described as Republican openness to populist ideas. He noted, «I asked @elonmusk to put me in charge of cutting the Pentagon, and he said – what are your suggestions? I run the largest left-wing network online, and a Democratic leader has NEVER asked me that question. The idea that they would take advice from a populist is disdainful to them.»

Elon Musk echoed Uygur’s sentiments in a tweet, suggesting that Democrats have become «the less tolerant party» by «hating their base.» These discussions highlight the shifting political dynamics following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory.

In related commentary, Jon Stewart, host of «The Daily Show,» remarked on the broader implications of the recent election, describing it as a rejection of the status quo and an «overly regulated system no longer responsive to the needs of the people.»