During a Super Bowl Sunday interview with Fox News’s Bret Baier, President Donald Trump outlined ambitious plans to uncover “billions” of dollars of fraud and waste in federal agencies, starting with the Pentagon and the Department of Education. Trump also reiterated his desire for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state, a statement that has drawn criticism and curiosity in recent weeks.
Trump to Musk: Investigate Pentagon and Department of Education
In the interview, Trump revealed that he will instruct Elon Musk—who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—to expand his investigations into government waste. Musk’s team has already begun efforts to dismantle or overhaul several federal agencies, including shutting down diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and placing thousands of federal workers on leave.
Trump said, “I’m going to tell him very soon, like maybe in 24 hours, to go check the Department of Education. Then I’m going to go, go to the military. Let’s check the military.”
He predicted Musk’s investigations would uncover “hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars” in fraud and abuse, without offering specific evidence.
Attempt to Dismantle USAID Temporarily Blocked
Trump and Musk’s efforts to place thousands of workers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave were blocked by a federal judge last week. Despite this setback, Trump doubled down on claims of widespread fraud within USAID.
“You take a look at USAID, the kind of fraud in there… We’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars of money that’s going to places where it shouldn’t be going,” Trump said, referring to international aid programs as a “big scam.”
Trump Reiterates Plan for Canada to Become the 51st State
In a continuation of previous comments, Trump repeated his desire for Canada to be annexed as the 51st U.S. state, citing what he claims is an annual $200 billion trade imbalance with the country.
“I think Canada would be much better off being a 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada, and I’m not going to let that happen,” Trump said. He argued that if Canada became part of the U.S., the financial burden would no longer be considered a subsidy.
Experts have pointed out that Trump’s $200 billion figure is misleading. The actual U.S. trade deficit with Canada in 2023 was $72 billion, primarily due to imports of Canadian oil, natural gas, and other commodities.
Trump: First Sitting President to Attend the Super Bowl
Trump made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl in person. While presidents traditionally participate in interviews during the event, it is unusual for them to attend the game itself. Trump’s presence at Super Bowl LIX highlights his close connection to major media moments and public events.
This year, Fox News hosted the interview with Trump, assigning Bret Baier to conduct the session. Baier is considered less partisan than other Fox hosts, suggesting that the interview would be less adversarial compared to networks with more opposing political stances.
Trump did not indicate which team—the Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs—he would be supporting.
Comparison to Biden’s Absence
President Joe Biden did not participate in the Super Bowl interview during 2024, a decision some Democratic insiders viewed as a missed opportunity to connect with voters. Biden’s aides explained that he declined the interview to give Americans a break from political messaging during the highly anticipated game.
This year, Trump’s participation stands in contrast, as he seizes the chance to promote his policies and reinforce his narrative about government inefficiency and trade issues.
Musk’s Expanding Role in Reshaping Federal Agencies
Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is central to Trump’s broader plan to reduce government spending and eliminate wasteful programs. The DOGE team has already begun combing through federal data systems, shutting down non-essential initiatives, and recommending possible budget cuts or agency closures.
Despite legal challenges, Trump remains committed to Musk’s role in reshaping the federal government. The president’s focus on investigating large spending departments like the Pentagon and USAID suggests that more sweeping reforms could be on the horizon.
As Trump pushes forward with Musk’s efforts to overhaul federal agencies, the administration faces legal challenges and skepticism from critics.
However, with Trump at the helm and Musk overseeing the dismantling of bureaucracy, the president is positioning himself as a champion of fiscal responsibility and government reform. His bold suggestion to annex Canada only adds to the controversial nature of his agenda, leaving many wondering what moves will come next.
With investigations into major departments and plans for reshaping U.S. international relationships, Trump’s second term may be defined by aggressive reform, heightened political debate, and unpredictable proposals.
