Elon Musk has spoken out against what he sees as unfair criticism of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), revealing tensions with the Trump administration over federal spending even as his time leading the agency came to an end.
At a Glance
- Musk concluded his role leading DOGE last week and described the department as becoming a “whipping boy” for Washington criticism
- He publicly broke with President Trump over the “big beautiful bill,” arguing it would cost $2-4 trillion and increase the national debt
- DOGE was unfairly blamed for cuts “real or imagined,” according to Musk, who defended its mission to eliminate government waste
- Despite their disagreements, Trump praised Musk’s leadership of DOGE as a significant government reform effort
- Musk indicated DOGE’s work would continue despite his departure, while Tesla has faced financial losses due to his Trump association
Musk Defends DOGE’s Mission Against Critics
Former Department of Government Efficiency Head Elon Musk has defended the agency against what he describes as unfair criticism following the conclusion of his time as a special government employee in the Trump administration.
During a recent interview, Musk expressed frustration that DOGE had become a convenient target for criticism in Washington. The billionaire entrepreneur clarified misconceptions about the department’s work, particularly addressing false claims about its impact on programs like Social Security, which he maintains were never targeted by his efficiency initiatives.
Musk likened the federal government to an inefficient DMV and defended DOGE’s core mission of eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in government operations. He suggested that opposition to DOGE stemmed primarily from those who favor larger government programs rather than the department’s actual work.
The tech mogul’s departure from the agency was confirmed around May 30, when he informed Tesla investors that his government role had concluded after months of volunteer service.
NIGHTCAP QUESTION:
Elon Musk's eventful time at DOGE has come to an end and he's bringing in mixed reviews…
What do you think? Was his time in Washington a success? Or do you think the movement will benefit from a little distance from his polarizing presence?
— Fox News @ Night (@foxnewsnight) May 30, 2025
Tension With Trump Administration Over Spending Bill
Despite his recent exit, Musk has not shied away from criticizing elements of the Trump administration’s economic approach. He publicly broke with President Trump over the so-called “big beautiful bill,” which includes extensions of 2017 tax cuts, increased defense spending, and additional resources for immigration enforcement. Musk expressed disappointment with the legislation, arguing it would cost between $2 and $4 trillion while raising the debt ceiling by another $4 trillion, ultimately increasing rather than decreasing the budget deficit.
President Trump responded to Musk’s criticism by emphasizing the political reality of needing sufficient votes and support for the legislation. The bill has already passed the House but faces opposition in the Senate, particularly from Republican members concerned about its impact on the national debt. Senator Ron Johnson and Congressman Warren Davidson have been among the vocal opponents, with Davidson being one of only two GOP representatives to vote against it in the House.
The Future of Government Efficiency Efforts
Despite ending his official role, Musk indicated that DOGE’s work would continue, praising the team’s efforts during his tenure. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed support for making DOGE’s cuts permanent, though implementing such changes would require separate budget processes. The billionaire’s complicated relationship with the administration was evident during a joint news conference with Trump, where the President praised Musk’s leadership while Musk himself carefully avoided full endorsement of all administration policies.
“I was, like, disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not decreases it, and undermines the work DOGE is doing,” said Elon Musk.
Musk’s association with Trump and DOGE has not been without consequences for his business interests. Tesla has reportedly faced financial losses due to protests and attacks linked to his government work. As he transitions back to focusing fully on his private sector ventures, Musk leaves behind a department that, according to his assessment, became a convenient scapegoat for Washington’s ongoing battles over government spending and efficiency. The tech entrepreneur’s brief but notable tenure in government demonstrates the challenges of implementing cost-cutting measures in an environment where political considerations often outweigh efficiency goals.
