Elon Musk has expressed reservations about his tenure at the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), stating he would not take on the role again. During an interview on The Katie Miller Podcast, Musk noted that while Doge achieved some success in its mission to streamline the U.S. government, he would prefer to focus on his companies instead.
Musk’s Reflections on Doge
Musk stepped away from Doge in May 2023. Initially, he claimed the group aimed to save $2 trillion annually through job cuts and reducing government programs. As of October 4, 2023, Doge’s website reported savings of approximately $214 billion for the year.
Successes and Challenges at Doge
Despite his criticism, Musk acknowledged that Doge was “somewhat successful” in its efforts. He emphasized the need for government involvement to be minimal, stating that the agency had successfully halted funding for unnecessary projects.
The establishment of Doge occurred via an executive order on Trump’s first day in office. The group’s aggressive approach led to proposals for significant reductions in the federal workforce and the closure of certain agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Some changes faced legal challenges or were reversed. A notable instance involved the firing of bird flu officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which prompted a quick rehire by the Trump administration.
Impact on Musk’s Business Empire
Musk’s involvement with Doge sparked widespread protests and a backlash against Tesla. Vandalism incidents targeting Tesla vehicles increased, coinciding with Musk’s high-profile political role. Consequently, Tesla reported a decline in sales, the lowest in three years, citing “changing political sentiment” as a concern for investors.
The relationship between Musk and Trump deteriorated after Musk criticized a Trump-backed spending bill, leading to a public fallout. However, the two men appear to have repaired their relationship, with Musk recently attending a White House dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. In his interview, Musk also praised Trump, describing him as the “funniest person” he knows.
- Key Figures: Elon Musk, Donald Trump
- Department Established: Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)
- Estimated Savings: $214 billion in 2023
- Initial Funding Goal: $2 trillion annually
In summary, while Musk recognized some achievements at Doge, he reflected on the complexities and personal challenges that came with the role. As he returns to his primary ventures, the lessons from his stint at Doge may influence his future decisions in both business and political engagements.
