WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Elon Musk Says Goodbye to DOGE and D.C.
May 30, 2025
Elon Musk bids farewell to the Department of Government Efficiency, reflecting on his time there and ongoing reforms. The discussion dives into the ups and downs of DOGE, analyzing its initial promises and financial projections. A unanimous Supreme Court ruling regarding a railroad project's environmental assessment raises essential questions about federal permitting processes. The impact of Musk's departure is examined, particularly its influence on technology and the competitive EV market, along with the need for government agencies to adapt.
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Mixed Impact of DOGE Efforts
- Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shone light on outdated government technology and pushed for layoffs to cut agency bloat.
- However, layoffs sometimes lacked nuance and faced legal challenges, risking slowdowns in critical agency functions.
Limits of Musk's Government Reform
- DOGE seemed improvised rather than a fully developed reform plan, with internal tensions and some overpromising in savings.
- Significant limits exist on what outsiders like Musk can achieve without Congressional support.
Musk's Cuts Had Mixed Results
- Musk acted like a problem solver who cut waste but sometimes damaged important governmental programs.
- Eliminating whole departments or programs without nuance hurt efforts like refugee aid and broadcasting in restricted countries.