Elon Musk, once a key figure in the Trump administration’s initiative to cut government excess, recently shared insights into his experiences during a podcast with Katie Miller. Musk described his time with the Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as “a little bit successful,” yet expressed no desire to reprise his role.
Musk acknowledged some success in curbing wasteful spending but ultimately left DOGE in May, following legal challenges and disagreements within Trump’s cabinet. Still, the administration remains committed to reducing the national deficit by cutting unnecessary expenditures, a core tenet of Trump’s government efficiency agenda.
Shrinking Government Workforce
Earlier directives from DOGE to reduce the federal workforce saw agencies rehiring hundreds of employees by the fiscal year’s end, despite efforts by the Office of Management and Budget to further trim personnel during a prolonged government shutdown. By the close of 2025, around 317,000 federal employees were projected to leave, with significant cuts to agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development and parts of the Education Department.
Targeting ‘Democrat Priorities’
Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, has played a pivotal role in the administration’s efforts to streamline the federal workforce. Despite court interventions blocking mass layoffs, the administration has pursued funding cuts to areas deemed “Democrat priorities” by President Trump, such as transportation and energy grants.
Data Consolidation for Enforcement
The administration’s strategy includes consolidating sensitive data across federal agencies, a move that has persisted despite legal pushback. These measures support immigration enforcement and involve significant transformations, such as changes to the federal citizenship verification database. However, errors in data handling have led to misidentifications, including U.S. citizens.
Ongoing Restructuring Efforts
Following Musk’s departure, DOGE’s influence continues through top allies who have transitioned to full-time agency roles. An executive order in August 2025 established the National Design Studio, led by Joe Gebbia, to improve federal digital infrastructure. This includes managing the Trump Accounts website for new tax-advantaged investment accounts and other technological initiatives.
Federal Spending Challenges
Despite DOGE’s inception to address the national debt, which rose by over $2.2 trillion in 2025, the debt is expected to grow further due to new tax cuts and spending initiatives. “President Trump pledged to cut the waste, fraud, and abuse in our bloated government,” stated White House spokesman Davis Ingle, reiterating the administration’s commitment.
The federal government’s spending exceeds its income by nearly half a trillion dollars in the current fiscal year, with the majority allocated to Social Security, Medicare, and other essential programs. These areas remain untouched by DOGE due to the need for Congressional approval for any changes.
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