Despite Elon Musk’s announced reduction in his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) involvement, his influence remains substantial. At least 46 of DOGE’s 110 personnel have direct financial or professional ties to Musk, many holding key positions and exhibiting unwavering loyalty. This deep network of connections, coupled with Musk’s extensive influence within the Trump administration, renders his purported withdrawal largely symbolic. Ultimately, Musk’s continued sway over DOGE officials, stemming from both financial dependence and fear of retaliation, ensures his policies will continue to shape government action.
Read More
Elon Musk’s claims of significant government cost savings through his DOGE initiative have been sharply challenged. Initially boasting of $2 trillion in savings, this figure was revised downward to $1 trillion, then further reduced to a much smaller, unverifiable amount. When questioned about this discrepancy, Musk defensively dismissed the interviewer’s inquiries, attributing the shortfall to limitations on the advisory group’s authority and external opposition. He also engaged in a heated exchange with Bill Gates, employing a controversial personal attack.
Read More
Following over two months of intense collaboration, President Trump and his administration have significantly reduced their public association with Elon Musk. This shift coincides with Musk’s unsuccessful and expensive involvement in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race and declining approval ratings. While Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative initially promised substantial savings, the actual amount realized is far less than projected, and his contributions have diminished. Despite this, Musk maintains a relationship with Trump, attending key events such as a recent Cabinet meeting and international trips.
Read More
For a limited time, an annual subscription to FT Edit is available for $49, a savings of $10.88 from the original price. This provides access to eight curated articles daily, delivered both via a dedicated webpage and newsletter. Subscribers enjoy uninterrupted reading through the FT Edit page on FT.com. The offer includes two months free, making it an exceptional value.
Read More
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cancelled over $220 million in government contracts, many of which were later reinstated by federal agencies. Despite DOGE’s website inaccurately listing these contracts as terminated, the White House attributes the discrepancies to paperwork delays. While DOGE claims significant savings, the reversals highlight the challenges of making sweeping budget cuts, impacting government services and contractors. These actions have raised concerns about the effectiveness and accuracy of DOGE’s cost-cutting initiatives.
Read More
Despite claiming $160 billion in savings, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has incurred significant costs. A nonpartisan analysis estimates $135 billion in taxpayer expenses this fiscal year due to employee leave, rehires, and productivity losses stemming from DOGE’s actions. These costs, which exclude legal fees and lost tax revenue, are projected to increase. While DOGE anticipates long-term savings, critics argue the short-term costs outweigh any potential benefits, particularly considering the substantial economic ripple effects of reduced funding in key sectors.
Read More
A purported cybersecurity breach at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) allegedly involved Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), granting them extensive access to agency systems and resulting in the export of large amounts of sensitive labor data. An IT staffer’s sworn affidavit details suspicious data spikes and login attempts from a Russian IP address, raising concerns about potential exposure to foreign adversaries and misuse by private companies. While the NLRB denies a breach, the White House acknowledged DOGE’s data access, contradicting the agency’s statement. This incident coincides with Musk’s ongoing legal battle with the NLRB, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Read More
A whistleblower accused the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of exfiltrating sensitive data from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including disabling security monitoring systems. A subsequent login attempt from a user with a Russian IP address, using a newly created DOGE email account and correct NLRB credentials, was blocked but highlights potential security vulnerabilities. The whistleblower provided forensic evidence and alleges DOGE employed tactics resembling those of foreign hackers, raising serious national security concerns. These accusations are not isolated, with multiple reports suggesting widespread data exfiltration by DOGE across various agencies. The situation is further complicated by Elon Musk’s dual roles in government and at companies under NLRB investigation.
Read More
This article is protected by copyright © 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, including a notice regarding the sale or sharing of personal information. FORTUNE is a registered trademark, and the site may contain affiliate links. Finally, all offers are subject to change.
Read More
A photograph from a Trump administration cabinet meeting shows Elon Musk with a notepad reading “Top Secret!!” Social media users mocked the billionaire for the childishly written note, highlighting the underlined words and multiple exclamation points. The meeting, the first since the announcement of new tariffs, focused on the achievements of Musk’s department, DOGE, which projects $150 billion in savings. Musk announced these savings during the meeting, while President Trump praised the cabinet’s strong relationships. The image of Musk’s note quickly went viral, generating considerable online commentary.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker