Marko Elez, the DOGE staffer who resigned after racist social media posts including a call to "normalize Indian hate" surfaced, will return to work for Musk, the billionaire announced.

For now, Trump appears happy to allow Musk to take the heat. Speaking to reporters this week, Trump said Musk was acting with the “approval” of the White House. He also made clear that Musk was leading the charge on the administration’s most aggressive efforts to slash the federal government.

President Donald Trump continues his efforts to reduce the size of the federal government, including the Pentagon, with the help of Elon Musk and his DOGE commission. NBC News Correspondents Kelly O’Donnell and Ryan Nobles and New York Times Chief White House Correspondent Peter Baker join Meet the Press NOW.