Elon Musk Reflects on His Time with DOGE

Reflecting on his past, Musk admitted he wouldn't engage with the Department of Government Efficiency, commonly known as DOGE, again.

During a conversation on "The Katie Miller Podcast," the head of Tesla and SpaceX remarked that the newly-formed government office, which began with President Trump's second term, did not significantly achieve the goal of reducing government expenses. Musk now feels he could have used his energies more productively in his business enterprises.

"Honestly, it was like stepping into a dream, almost surreal," Musk commented to the host, Katie Miller, whose husband is White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

The moniker DOGE, Musk explained, emerged from online suggestions. Although he still values the mission to curb government expenditure, he realized that his contribution did not lead to substantial results during his stint in the Trump administration.

"We did achieve certain objectives, albeit to a small extent," Musk noted. "For instance, we halted numerous inexplicable funding channels, saving at least some from futile expenditures. There was an annual $100 to $200 billion in unnecessary payments, which we curbed simply by mandating justifications for every transaction."

Initially, Musk forecasted a $2 trillion saving from DOGE's efforts, yet later adjusted that figure to roughly $150 billion in predicted cutbacks for the 2026 fiscal period before resigning from his governmental position in April.

While the exact savings before DOGE's quiet dissolution in July remain uncertain, Politico's August analysis confirmed $1.4 billion in contract terminations and reduced federal spending.

When asked again by Miller about the possibility of rejoining DOGE, Musk paused, then admitted, "No, I probably wouldn't. I'd focus my efforts more on developing my enterprises and enhancing production of electric vehicles instead of other distractions."

Musk was subjected to strong public disapproval and numerous protests, including acts of vandalism against Tesla, due to his collaboration with Trump. He described this as an "intense backlash" against his attempt to curb what he saw as "political dishonesty."

There was concern among Tesla investors that Musk was spreading himself too thin by dedicating considerable time to his White House tasks instead of focusing on Tesla.

"Shareholders have valid worries about how Musk's commitments elsewhere, especially with DOGE, might impact Tesla," Garrett Nelson, a senior equity analyst at CFRA Research, commented to Business Insider.

Tesla stocks fell in early 2025 but bounced back after Musk left DOGE, showing a 17% increase year-to-date after his departure was finalized in May.

The previously tense relationship between Musk and Trump, exacerbated by Musk criticizing the president's policies, has since relaxed. By November, Musk was back on Trump's invite list for a dinner featuring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.