Secretary of Commerce Critiques Musk’s DOGE Cuts as “Backward”
URGENT UPDATE: Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has publicly criticized Elon Musk, stating that his approach to cutting federal workers at DOGE is “backward.” This stark assessment comes as Lutnick distances himself from Musk, who previously served as a close aide in the White House.
In an exclusive interview with “The Axios Show” that aired on Friday, Lutnick slammed Musk’s rapid firing of federal employees, likening it to his drastic staff reductions at Twitter, now known as X. Lutnick stated that Musk “thought that example worked for government,” but he disagreed, emphasizing a more measured approach to efficiency.
“I thought Elon got caught up in other people’s objectives,” Lutnick remarked during the show. He acknowledged that while government operations could be trimmed, the process should involve careful study by cabinet secretaries rather than sweeping cuts. Lutnick stressed, “The focus should have been on cutting the waste, fraud, and abuse — and the people you could do over time.”
Lutnick pointed to a Biden-era program that allocated $7.4 billion to a private nonprofit for semiconductor research as a prime example of “waste, fraud, and abuse.” He argued, “You know how many people would equal $7.4 billion? Come on.” His comments highlight a growing concern over government spending amid ongoing budget debates.
Previously, Lutnick was an ally of Musk, having recruited him to lead DOGE with a goal to eliminate $1 trillion in waste. In a February 19, 2023 appearance on Fox News, Lutnick claimed they aimed to raise revenue and balance the budget under former President Trump. “So he’s going to cut $1 trillion,” Lutnick stated, reflecting optimistic projections for fiscal reform.
However, Lutnick’s recent criticism signals a significant shift in sentiment. Earlier this year, he expressed confidence in Musk’s abilities, describing him as “the greatest businessman and greatest technologist in the world.” Now, with Musk’s controversial methods facing backlash from management experts and the public, Lutnick’s position appears to be softening.
Musk’s tenure at DOGE has seen the termination of at least 200,000 federal workers, raising alarms about the effectiveness and morality of such extensive layoffs. Experts are now calling for a reevaluation of his strategies, questioning the long-term impacts on government efficiency and employee morale.
The Department of Commerce and representatives for Musk have yet to comment on Lutnick’s latest statements, which could further ignite discussions on government reform and employment practices.
As this story develops, it underscores a critical moment in the intersection of business and government, with implications that reach far beyond the immediate workforce cuts. Watch for updates on how this evolving situation will impact federal operations and public sentiment toward Musk’s leadership style.
