Elon Musk Declares DOGE ‘Somewhat Successful’ but Regrets Involvement
UPDATE: Elon Musk revealed in a recent podcast that he would not participate in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) if given a second chance, describing his time there as only “somewhat successful.” This urgent admission sheds light on the challenges and controversies surrounding government spending initiatives.
Speaking on “The Katie Miller Podcast,” Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, reflected on his experience with DOGE, a department launched at the start of President Donald Trump‘s second term on February 11, 2025. While Musk acknowledged some achievements in curbing wasteful spending, he expressed regret over diverting his focus from his companies during this period.
“I guess I couldn’t believe I was there for the most part. It’s like — it all seemed extremely surreal at the time,” Musk stated. He characterized DOGE, which aimed to optimize government efficiency, as a noble cause, yet admitted it fell short of its ambitious goals.
Musk initially projected that DOGE could save an astonishing $2 trillion in taxpayer dollars. However, he revised this estimate to approximately $150 billion for the 2026 fiscal year before stepping back from the office in April. The office was disbanded quietly in July, raising questions about its overall effectiveness.
According to an analysis by Politico, DOGE managed to verify $1.4 billion in confirmed contract cancellations and a notable decrease in federal spending. Musk highlighted specific savings by enforcing clearer payment codes, which he believes could halt the estimated $100 billion to $200 billion in “zombie payments” annually.
“We were a little bit successful. We were somewhat successful,” Musk admitted, reflecting on the limited impact of his efforts.
The backlash Musk faced during his tenure was intense, marked by public protests and vandalism against Tesla vehicles. Musk described this as a “very strong reaction” to his attempts to combat “political corruption.” His relationship with Trump deteriorated further in June after he criticized the president’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” but reports suggest that tensions have eased recently.
Musk’s decision to step away from DOGE highlights the ongoing challenges of governmental reform, especially when intertwined with political dynamics. As Musk refocuses on his companies, the future of similar initiatives remains uncertain.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of government efficiency, observers will be watching closely to see if any new reforms emerge and what impact they might have on taxpayer savings. The urgency for effective fiscal management has never been clearer, and Musk’s insights may influence future leaders in the tech and political arenas.
