Elon Musk Reflects on Government Efficiency Role, Calls It ‘Somewhat Successful’

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk recently shared his reflections on his time leading the Department of Government Efficiency, describing the experience as only “somewhat successful.” In an interview with conservative influencer Katie Miller, Musk indicated he would not pursue a similar role again, highlighting the challenges of enacting swift changes within the federal government.

During the conversation on the “Katie Miller Podcast,” Musk expressed regret over the impact his government work had on his businesses. He disclosed that the time spent on the Department of Government Efficiency detracted from his focus on his primary ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX. Musk remarked, “Instead of doing DOGE, I would have, basically, built … worked on my companies.” He added, “They wouldn’t have been burning the cars,” referring to consumer protests against Tesla vehicles.

Musk’s tenure at the agency was marked by ambitious goals, including a claim that it could save up to $200 billion annually by eliminating inefficient government payments, often referred to as “zombie payments.” While he credited the agency with some progress, he acknowledged that the results did not match his initial expectations, which suggested potential savings in the trillions.

The conversation also touched on Musk’s broader thoughts regarding the federal government and its bureaucracy. Musk defended the controversial agency, which was established under former President Donald Trump, despite its eventual closure last month. He pointed out the complexities involved in reforming such a large system and noted that his efforts were hampered by the intricacies of federal operations.

Reflecting on his departure from government work, Musk’s fortunes have shifted positively. Recently, Tesla shareholders approved a pay package that positions him to potentially become the world’s first trillionaire. This financial success stands in contrast to the difficulties he faced during his government service.

Miller, who previously acted as a spokeswoman for DOGE, engaged Musk in a wide-ranging discussion that also included topics such as artificial intelligence, social media, and conspiracy theories. Notably absent from their dialogue were any in-depth inquiries about the operational challenges faced by the Department of Government Efficiency or the methods it employed to assert control over federal agencies and data systems.

As Musk continues to navigate the demands of his business empire and public persona, his reflections on government service offer insight into the complexities of balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with public sector challenges.