Elon Musk Provides Strange Reason for His Unsuccessful DOGE Mission

Elon Musk recently explained his controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives using an unusual panda metaphor. Speaking with entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath on the WTF Is podcast, Musk emphasized that DOGEs aggressive cost-cutting and anti-waste mission did not involve halting essential aid to people in Africa.

Fraudsters often present convincing storiestheyre not going to admit their schemes openly, Musk said. They craft sympathetic arguments that sound real but arent. Its like a Save the Baby Pandas charity: who wouldnt want to help adorable pandas? Yet no pandas are actually saved; its mostly corruption. You ask for proof, and they cant provide it, leaving you unsure if the aid reaches its intended destination.

DOGE had been planned to operate until mid-2026, but was dissolved eight months early, marking a sudden end to Musks leadership and President Trumps aggressive federal spending cuts. The departments closure followed a year of turbulence, during which multiple agencies were downsized and thousands of federal workers were laid off.

Among the affected agencies were the United States Digital Service and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. In May, the Associated Press reported that abrupt reductions in U.S. foreign aid through the U.S. Agency for International Development could result in 163,500 additional child deaths from hunger in Africa each year.

DOGEs actual impact on reducing corruption or waste remains heavily scrutinized. Musk himself admitted that the department fell short of expectations. Originally, he projected a $2 trillion savings in its first year, which was later lowered to $1 trillion, and finally, a $150 billion reduction for the next fiscal year. DOGEs own Wall of Receipts claimed around $214 billion in savings, though Politico found errors in the calculations and exaggerated savings from canceled federal contracts.

Musk departed from DOGE in late May, shortly before a highly publicized falling out with Trump. During his time leading the department, Musk had been considered a significant influence in Trumps circle, including financial support for his 2024 campaign. Their relationship later soured, with Musk suggesting that files related to Jeffrey Epstein had not been fully released due to Trumps involvement. Despite this, Musk returned to White House events in November, attending a dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Reflecting on his DOGE experience, Musk described it as an interesting side quest and highlighted the insights he gained into government operations. I got to see a lot of the inner workings of the government, and there have been quite a few efficiencies, he said.

Author: Sophia Brooks