Elon Musk Reflects on DOGE’s Limited Success and Future Focus

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, shared insights about his tenure with the Department of Government Efficiency during a recent podcast interview with Katie Miller, a conservative influencer and former aide. Musk described his initiatives related to DOGE as only “somewhat successful,” indicating he would not pursue a similar path again.

Speaking on the “Katie Miller Podcast,” Musk reflected on the challenges of rapidly reforming federal agencies. He acknowledged that his work with DOGE diverted significant attention from his primary business ventures, leading to notable consequences. “We were a little bit successful. We were somewhat successful,” he stated, but added, “I don’t think so” when asked if he would repeat the experience.

Musk’s frustrations stemmed from the difficulties of transforming government operations. He noted the negative impact on his businesses, saying, “Instead of doing DOGE, I would have, basically, built … worked on my companies.” His comments suggest a regretful tone as he observed consumer protests against Tesla, remarking, “They wouldn’t have been burning the cars.”

Despite these challenges, Musk’s fortunes have shifted positively. Since departing from the Trump administration earlier this year, he has seen Tesla shareholders approve a compensation package that positions him to potentially become the world’s first trillionaire. This development underscores the contrasting trajectory of his private ventures compared to his governmental efforts.

During the interview, which lasted over 50 minutes, Musk and Miller covered various subjects, including artificial intelligence, social media, and conspiracy theories. While Miller did not delve deeply into the operational aspects of DOGE, Musk did mention that the agency aimed to save as much as $200 billion annually by eliminating “zombie payments” through improved efficiency.

The agency’s ambitious goals, however, were tempered by Musk’s earlier assertions that such initiatives could lead to savings in the trillions. His comments reflect a broader discussion on the efficacy of government efficiency programs and their potential impact on public spending.

As Musk continues to navigate the intersection of technology and governance, his reflections on DOGE provide a candid look at the complexities of innovation in heavily bureaucratic environments. The podcast serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of both business and politics, particularly when high-profile figures like Musk are involved.