Elon Musk Reflects on Mixed Success of Government Efficiency Role

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently shared his thoughts on his tenure at the Department of Government Efficiency during a candid interview on the “Katie Miller Podcast.” In a discussion with conservative influencer Katie Miller, Musk described his efforts in the agency as only “somewhat successful,” indicating that he would not choose to repeat the experience.

During the podcast, which lasted over 50 minutes, Musk reflected on his time leading the agency, which he left in the spring of 2023 before its official closure in March 2024. Although he defended the controversial agency initiated by former President Donald Trump, Musk acknowledged the challenges of transforming federal government operations quickly. He stated, “We were a little bit successful. We were somewhat successful,” while also lamenting the impact that his involvement with DOGE had on his business ventures.

Musk expressed a sense of regret regarding his time spent on the agency. When asked if he would undertake the same role again, he replied, “I don’t think so. … Instead of doing DOGE, I would have, basically, built … worked on my companies.” He added that had he focused on his businesses, “they wouldn’t have been burning the cars,” referencing consumer protests against Tesla vehicles.

Despite the challenges Musk faced during his stint in government, recent developments have favored him financially. Tesla shareholders approved an ambitious compensation package that could position Musk as the world’s first trillionaire. This financial upswing contrasts sharply with his reflections on governmental efficiency efforts.

The discussion touched on various topics beyond DOGE, including Musk’s views on artificial intelligence, social media, conspiracy theories, and fashion. Notably, Miller, who served as a spokeswoman for DOGE, did not delve deeply into the agency’s operations or the controversial methods employed during its implementation.

Musk claimed that the agency was able to save approximately $200 billion annually by eliminating what he termed “zombie payments.” These payments, he argued, could be avoided through improved automated systems and coding for federal payouts. However, this figure is significantly lower than earlier promises Musk made, where he suggested potential savings could reach into the trillions.

As Musk continues to navigate both his business ventures and reflections on his brief government service, his comments resonate within broader discussions about efficiency and accountability in federal operations. The complexities of such initiatives, especially under the spotlight of public scrutiny, remain a significant aspect of his narrative.