Efficiency − Or Empire? How Elon Musk’s Hostile Takeover Could End Government as We Know It

Elon Musk speaks at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Elon Musk speaks at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Matt Rourke/AP
Share
Elon Musk speaks at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Elon Musk speaks at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Matt Rourke/AP
Efficiency − Or Empire? How Elon Musk’s Hostile Takeover Could End Government as We Know It
Copy

Elon Musk’s role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, is on the surface a dramatic effort to overhaul the inefficiencies of federal bureaucracy. But beneath the rhetoric of cost-cutting and regulatory streamlining lies a troubling scenario.

Musk has been appointed what is called a “special government employee” in charge of the White House office formerly known as the U.S. Digital Service, which was renamed the U.S. DOGE Service on the first day of President Donald Trump’s second term. The Musk team’s purported goals are to maximize efficiency and to eliminate waste and redundancy.

That might sound like a bold move toward Silicon Valley-style innovation in governance. However, the deeper motivations driving Musk’s involvement are unlikely to be purely altruistic.

Read the rest of this article on The Conversation.

Simple ingredients, big flavor. These Tuna Tomato Melts layer creamy tuna salad and melty cheese onto toasted bread, finished with fresh tomato for a bright, satisfying bite
This chicken vegetable soup is comfort made easy. Pantry staples like canned chicken and mixed vegetables simmer together with herbs and pasta to create a warm, satisfying bowl that’s both budget-friendly and delicious
State officials blame the decline on federal policy changes driving up health insurance premiums
The Rhode Island hockey official was one of just 11 referees selected to call women’s games at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan
The war in Iran, and Neronha’s blockbuster report
State leaders say the deal keeps the Rhode Island hospitals open while the Atlanta-based Centurion Foundation attempts a financial turnaround