Elon Musk has opened up about his turbulent experience leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), saying he would not take the job again—even though he believes the group managed to achieve “somewhat successful” results.
In a candid conversation on The Katie Miller Podcast, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO looked back on his brief but controversial role in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting initiative.
Musk Says He Regrets Taking the DOGE Job
During the interview, Musk admitted he would choose differently if given the chance.
He said he would have preferred to focus on Tesla and SpaceX, noting that his political visibility triggered backlash.
Earlier this year, Tesla showrooms and vehicles were vandalized across the US as protests escalated. The company’s sales later dropped to a three-year low, with Musk acknowledging that political tensions hurt demand.
DOGE Achieved “Small Successes,” Musk Says
Although he regretted the role, Musk insisted that DOGE still had some meaningful wins.
He said the group slowed down funding for projects he believed were unnecessary and pushed for a leaner federal government.
DOGE’s website reports an estimated $214 billion in savings this year, though the initiative fell far short of Musk’s early projection of up to $2 trillion.
The task force was created by President Trump on his first day back in office and aimed for deep cuts in staff and programs. Some decisions—such as firing bird-flu experts at the USDA—were reversed after public and legal pressure.
Political Fallout and Tension With Trump
Musk’s involvement in US politics caused ongoing turmoil for his businesses and even led to a public clash with Trump.
After Musk criticized a Trump-supported spending bill in June, the two exchanged harsh remarks online. At one point, Trump even suggested investigating Musk’s federal contracts.
However, the relationship later improved. Musk attended a White House dinner in November and has since spoken positively about Trump, calling him “the funniest person” he knows.
Musk Says the Work Is Behind Him
Looking back, Musk said DOGE was based on internet suggestions and never intended to be a traditional government agency.
While he no longer wants the role, he maintains that reducing unnecessary government spending is important.
