What Will the U.S. Government Look Like Under Elon Musk?

Elon Musk has taken on plenty of challenges in his life, but this one’s different. Donald Trump has tapped him to slash $2 trillion from federal spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk’s no stranger to shaking things up—just look at what he did at Twitter.

But can his bold methods work in the rigid world of government? Or is this too ambitious, even for him?

Will Musk’s Methods Be Too Much?

When Musk bought Twitter, he didn’t waste time. Half the workforce was gone in two weeks, and eventually, 80% of the staff was cut. Now, he’s aiming for similar drastic reductions in federal agencies. He says layoffs will be handled respectfully, with help for workers moving to private jobs. But still, it’s hard not to wonder: Can such a blunt approach work for government?

Musk’s leadership style also includes a firm stance against remote work. At Twitter, he eliminated work-from-home policies almost overnight, insisting that employees return to the office. It’s likely he’ll push for the same in federal offices, calling remote jobs outdated and inefficient.

In addition, his focus on accountability means federal employees could face strict weekly progress reports.

Supporters vs. Skeptics: Can Musk Deliver?

Musk’s fans point to Twitter as proof of his effectiveness. Despite the massive staff cuts, the platform still runs, suggesting that smaller, leaner teams can get the job done. Supporters believe he could bring this same efficiency to the government. However, critics aren’t convinced. They argue that Twitter hasn’t seen much innovation since Musk’s takeover and that its long-term stability is uncertain.

If federal agencies follow a similar path, public trust in essential services could take a hit—a risk no government can afford.

Musk has been teasing the Department of Government Efficiency on social media, stirring excitement among his followers with each post. The playful DOGE acronym has even sparked memes, but the stakes are serious.

What’s Next?

Whatever your opinion on Musk, his boldness is undeniable. Cutting $2 trillion from federal spending is an enormous task, and if anyone can shake things up, it’s him.

One thing is certain: success or failure, Musk’s government experiment will be one to watch.