Elon Musk’s DOGE: A Different Vision for Government Efficiency

Elon Musk is a man known for many reasons. From being the face of Tesla’s electric cars to shooting for the stars with SpaceX, Musk has made a name for himself for trying to change what most people considered normal. However, in recent months Musk decided to go even further, diving into the realm of politics by supporting President Donald Trump and leading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Formed with the purpose of cutting down unnecessary federal spending, DOGE has already made major decisions relating to where government resources are going. However, many people are mixed with what is being cut and DOGE as a whole.

Formed on January 20, 2025 by President Trump, DOGE has already set its sights on taking down several items deemed unnecessary expenses. One of its primary goals is saving money by removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from federal agencies. While praised by many conservatives for eliminating what they believed to be wasteful spending, these moves were also responded to harshly by liberal-leaning people believing that they were cutting services that benefited many minorities.

Beyond removing DEI, DOGE has also begun to terminate and remove thousands of federal workers. Thirty thousand workers serving in many different departments were dismissed, including members of the education department, defense department, health and human services, and national park services. Unions and advocacy groups have protested, claiming that dismissing these workers would dismantle these vital departments. Many federal workers who had personally supported Trump were also fired, later expressing worry that a slashing in some services could be harmful after being dismissed.

After this mass firing was instated, many judges within the government were quick to try and counter this decision. U.S. District Judge William Alsup demanded that all fired workers were to be offered their jobs back. President Trump and other government officials quickly rebutted this action as over a thousand workers returned to their jobs; however, no further progress has been made.

Many have questioned Musk’s role in the government. Though he once considered himself a moderate, he has recently leaned towards being a conservative. After supporting Trump’s campaign, he was hired as a "special government employee" by the current President particularly for managing government spending with DOGE. “The people voted for major government reform. There should be no doubt about that,” Musk commented.

This role is limited to only working 130 days per year without standard hiring procedures. Trump also appointed many DOGE employees to a similar position. Musk and these employees, while not being paid like other workers, still have access to government data, including Treasury records.

DOGE’s actions and existence as a whole under Musk have sparked numerous debates. Many praise its cost-cutting and removal of certain programs from the government, while others are wary of the effects that these service cuts may lead to. Legal challenges and backlash continue from both sides, leaving the future uncertain.