10.12.2025 20:45
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk made striking statements regarding his tenure as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he was appointed to by President Donald Trump. In a podcast featuring Katie Miller, who served as deputy press secretary at the Department of Homeland Security from 2017 to 2019, Musk revealed the behind-the-scenes details of federal budget cuts.
Elon Musk, one of the focal points of discussions in the U.S., made striking confessions about his time as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In an appearance on Katie Miller's podcast, Musk reflected on his role in the Trump administration, stating, "I should have focused on my companies instead of dealing with this," referencing both his past decisions and the significant backlash he faced.
"WE STOPPED IRRATIONAL SPENDING"
The tech billionaire commented on the controversial cuts made by DOGE:
"We were somewhat successful. To some extent, we were successful. We stopped a lot of funding that was completely irrational and led to waste."
Known for his support of Trump's election campaign, Musk was appointed to head DOGE by the former U.S. President.
CONTROVERSIAL CUTS AND BACKLASH
The cuts made in federal agencies during the first five months of the administration sparked intense debates in the U.S., with thousands of federal employees losing their jobs becoming the focal point of the backlash. Following the cuts, reports emerged of Tesla vehicles being set on fire in some European cities as well as in the U.S.
"I WON'T GET INVOLVED IN SUCH PROJECTS AGAIN"
Musk openly expressed his regrets about his management of DOGE during the podcast:
"I should have been working on my companies instead of dealing with DOGE. That way, they wouldn't have set our cars on fire."
In April, Musk announced he would reduce his tenure at DOGE, and by May, he had completely left the organization.
NAZI SALUTE AND FALLING PROFIT MARGINS
After taking the helm of DOGE, Musk faced severe criticism for allegedly "giving a Nazi salute" at a conference he attended, while also experiencing a decline in Tesla's financial performance during the same period. Analysts believe that Musk's focus on DOGE significantly contributed to the 71% drop in the company's net profit in the first quarter of this year.
RELATIONS WITH TRUMP TURNED TENSE
The relationship between Musk and President Trump soured due to a controversial tax cut proposal, leading to mutual criticisms on social media. The tension later gave way to "messages of friendship."