WSJ Tech News Briefing Post-DOGE, Elon Musk Faces Challenges at Tesla and SpaceX
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Jun 2, 2025 Tim Higgins, a WSJ columnist, dives into Elon Musk's return to Tesla and SpaceX after his time in the Trump administration. The conversation highlights Musk's ambitious goals for DOGE amid legal challenges and consumer backlash. Higgins discusses the delicate balance Musk must maintain between corporate ambitions and public commitments, particularly in retaining Tesla customers. They also explore Musk's innovative projects like the robo-taxi and his shifting focus in leadership, while addressing the significant hurdles Tesla and SpaceX are currently facing.
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Doge's Impact and Limits
- Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) reached about $200 billion in savings, far from the $2 trillion goal.
- Further cost savings depend heavily on Congressional action, which has been limited so far.
Musk Returns Focus to Companies
- Elon Musk plans to scale back political involvement and refocus on his companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
- His recent public attention on Mars and Tesla robotics signals renewed focus despite past distractions.
Investors Await Musk's Execution
- Investors see Musk's return to focus as positive but remain cautious about long-promised breakthroughs like driverless cars.
- Tesla's valuation depends on Musk delivering on ambitious visions, yet competition has advanced in autonomous driving.