During a national address, President Trump praised his top campaign donor and the DOGE initiative, despite public skepticism. Elon Musk met with congressional Republicans to discuss better coordination with the DOGE project, but some lawmakers used the opportunity to push their own ideas. Senator Tuberville suggested reducing military leaders to fund troop pay raises, prompting concerns about oversight and checks and balances. The senator's deference to Musk's expertise and the need for Congress to lobby a campaign donor highlight shifting power dynamics in Washington.