Overview

• Elon Musk has reduced his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) but remains an advisor as the initiative continues to reshape federal operations.
• DOGE claims $170 billion in savings, though only $71 billion is verifiable, and federal spending has increased by $86 billion in early 2025 compared to the previous year.
• Over 120,000 federal workers have been laid off, with 11 agencies hollowed out or closed, leading to significant disruptions and political resistance.
• DOGE has embedded staff from Musk’s companies and adopted a Silicon Valley-inspired approach, raising legal and ethical questions about its methods.
• Critics argue that DOGE has failed to address the main drivers of federal spending, including entitlement programs and debt interest, which account for the majority of the budget.