12. December 2025
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Elon Musk Says DOGE Was “Somewhat Successful” — Would Rather Have Focused on His Companies
In a candid interview on a podcast this week, Elon Musk reflected on his time leading the controversial *Department of Government Efficiency* (DOGE) — a federal cost-cutting initiative during Donald Trump’s second term. Musk described the effort as only “somewhat successful” and admitted that, in hindsight, he’d have preferred to spend that period working on his own companies instead.
Quick Insight:
Though he defended some aspects of the initiative’s work, Musk acknowledged that the impact was limited and that his time in Washington, D.C. may have detracted from his focus on Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures.
1. Musk’s Take on DOGE’s Performance
• Musk said the agency achieved limited wins — cutting some government spending that he considered wasteful — but fell short of its ambitious goals.
• He referred to the results as “somewhat successful,” suggesting that the scale of change was modest and difficult to quantify.
• The work involved reviewing and eliminating certain budget items and restructuring some federal processes, but critics argue the measurable savings were small compared to expectations.
2. Why He Wouldn’t Do It Again
• When asked if he’d take up the role again knowing what he knows now, Musk said he likely would not.
• He explained that, instead of leading a federal agency, he would have chosen to dedicate more time and attention to his own companies — where he believes his impact is greater.
• Musk even quipped that if he had stayed focused on his businesses, some of the backlash and protests — including vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles — might not have occurred.
3. What This Suggests About Musk’s Priorities
• Musk’s comments underscore how challenging it can be for business leaders to step into government roles — especially when balancing public expectations with operational realities.
• His preference to focus on companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and his social media platform reflects a belief that innovation and private enterprise offer better returns for effort than government restructuring.
• The remarks also signal a shift away from political involvement toward renewed attention on technological and commercial ventures.
Final Thoughts
Musk’s reflections on DOGE reveal a rare moment of self-critique — acknowledging that even high-profile initiatives don’t always deliver the impact hoped for, and that his strengths may lie more in building companies than managing government bureaucracy. For observers of tech leadership and public policy, it’s a reminder that even visionary innovators face limits outside their core expertise.
Tip: Taking on government or public roles can shift priorities and focus — even for leading entrepreneurs. Always weigh where your impact will be greatest.
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