Elon Musk has finally shared his honest reflection on leading the Department of Government Efficiency, better known as Doge. During a nearly hour long interview on The Katie Miller Podcast, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO said the experience was “somewhat successful”, yet he would not take the job again.
Musk Says Taking the Role Was a Mistake
Musk stepped down from Doge in May after launching an ambitious mission to cut federal spending and reduce the size of the US government under President Donald Trump. His early promises included saving up to two trillion dollars annually by eliminating federal jobs and shutting down underperforming programs.
Although Doge’s official website claims roughly 214 billion dollars in savings for the year, Musk now admits he would choose differently if he could rewind time.
When asked whether he would join Doge again, he replied with a direct “I mean no, I don’t think so.” He added that staying focused on his companies would have prevented many negative consequences. According to Musk, Tesla suffered from “burning the cars incidents,” a reference to vandalism and protests sparked by his political visibility.
Political Spotlight Creates Business Fallout
Musk’s deep involvement in the Trump administration fueled global protests, boycott campaigns, and a wave of vandalism targeting Tesla’s Cybertruck and showrooms. The company later revealed that shifting political sentiment pushed sales to their lowest point in three years.
Even so, Musk maintains the team achieved meaningful results. He said Doge was “a little bit successful,” stressing that government should do “the least amount possible.” He also highlighted that the advisory group stopped funding for several programs he believed lacked purpose.
Inside Doge’s Controversial Mission
Created through an executive order on Trump’s first day back in office, Doge was not an official government department but an advisory group built around Musk’s cost-cutting vision. Its name, he revealed, was simply “made up” from internet suggestions.
The group worked rapidly, pushing for major reductions in the federal workforce and proposing the closure of entire agencies, including USAID. Some actions led to legal challenges or were quickly reversed. One notable example involved firing bird flu experts at the Department of Agriculture, only for the administration to scramble to rehire them days later.
A Public Break With Trump
Musk and Trump appeared closely aligned for months, with Musk donating millions to Trump’s election campaign and frequently participating in White House events. However, their relationship fractured when Musk spoke out against a Trump-backed spending bill in June.
This sparked a public dispute online, with Trump even threatening to direct Doge to investigate Musk’s government contracts. The tension eventually cooled, and Musk was later seen at a White House dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
During the podcast, Musk praised Trump once again, calling him the funniest person he knows and highlighting the president’s strong sense of humor.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s chapter at Doge was brief, turbulent, and filled with bold claims and political drama. While he acknowledges the group achieved minor successes in cutting costs, he now views the role as a mistake that created unnecessary challenges for his companies. Despite the fallout, Musk’s relationship with Trump appears restored, suggesting both men have moved past their public clash.
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