Elon Musk denies 'hostile takeover' of US government

Hello. Elon Musk has made his first public appearance at the White House, where he denied leading a “hostile takeover” of the US government. Max Matza reports on his exchange with reporters. In Nigeria, communities affected by decades of Shell oil spills tell Simi Jolaoso of their frustrations with a controversial clean-up operation. And finally, a prestigious dog competition crowns its "Best in Show".

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Trump boosts Musk's Doge oversight

Doge has been criticised by Democrats, who have accused it of a lack of transparency. Credit: Reuters

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order giving Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) more authority to cut the federal workforce. The order, signed in the tech billionaire's presence in the Oval Office, instructed the heads of government agencies to comply with Doge. In the past few weeks, Doge representatives have entered various departments to monitor spending, offered millions of workers a resignation deal and moved to freeze federal funding as well as the work of agencies such as the US Agency for International Development. The sweeping cost-cutting drive has raised concerns in the US and internationally, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it "a hostile takeover" of the administration. Musk described the cuts as "common sense" measures that are "not draconian or radical".

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Nigerians denounce oil clean-up project

One close observer has described the clean-up project as a "con" and a "scam". Credit: Getty Images

A BBC investigation has uncovered allegations that energy giant Shell has ignored repeated warnings that a clean-up operation of oil-polluted areas of southern Nigeria has been beset by problems and corruption. Shell told the BBC: "When spills do happen from our facilities we clean up and remediate, regardless of the cause. If it's an operational spill, we also compensate people and communities."

And finally...

A giant schnauzer named Monty has triumphed over more than 2,500 canines to be crowned the Best in Show winner at the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Monty's victory gave the Working Group of breeds its first winner since 2004 - watch the moment the winner was announced.