In a candid interview at the White House on May 1, 2025, Elon Musk offered a glimpse into his first 100 days leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His tenure, marked by intense challenges, sweeping ambitions, and occasional moments of humor, has been a rollercoaster for both Musk and his team. While proud of the team’s progress, Musk openly acknowledged that the journey so far has been harder than he initially anticipated.
Musk’s efforts to reshape government efficiency have been both lauded and criticized. His mission, initially pitched as a grand plan to save the U.S. government at least $2 trillion, has now shifted to a more modest goal of $1 trillion in cuts. With $160 billion saved in just the first 100 days, Musk remains optimistic, though he admits that reaching the $1 trillion target will require significant political will and cooperation.
The Intensity of the Job
Musk described his first few months in Washington as “very, very intense,” noting that the work had the frenetic pace of a startup, often requiring him to work seven days a week. He compared the challenge of reforming federal budgeting to turning a massive supertanker—a slow and difficult task. Despite the tough road ahead, Musk is proud of his team’s achievements but recognizes that more needs to be done to meet his ambitious goals.
“We are making as much progress as we can, but there’s a lot of inertia in the government,” Musk said. “It’s not easy, and it’s a way to make a lot of enemies and not that many friends.” The pushback from entrenched interests in Washington has been substantial, but Musk remains committed to tackling the systemic inefficiencies he sees within the federal budget.
While Musk’s efforts have been relatively successful, saving an impressive $1.6 billion per day over the past 100 days, the path to his original goal of $1 trillion remains steep. He candidly admitted, “It’s really difficult,” but insisted that achieving the target is still possible if there is enough support from Congress and the rest of the administration.
Navigating Washington and His Relationship with Trump
Musk’s relationship with President Donald Trump has been a subject of intrigue. The two have forged a strong bond, and Musk described Trump as a “friend.” Musk’s time in Washington often sees him staying at the White House, with the Lincoln Bedroom serving as his occasional home. He humorously shared anecdotes about his spontaneous stays, including one instance when Trump called him late at night to remind him to get some ice cream from the kitchen—a moment Musk jokingly claimed was “epic.”
Despite the camaraderie, Musk’s role in Washington is not without tension. He was pressed on reports of disagreements within the cabinet, particularly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, Musk downplayed these concerns, emphasizing that while differences of opinion are inevitable, the overall relationship within the cabinet remains strong. He pointed out that the cabinet had credited DOGE with making significant progress, even if it was a bumpy ride at times.
A Focus on Fraud Investigations
The topic of ongoing fraud investigations was also broached during the interview. Musk acknowledged that DOGE had uncovered numerous cases of fraud, particularly concerning voter integrity and the use of federal funds. So far, 57 potential cases have been referred to the Department of Justice for further investigation. Musk explained that while DOGE had identified hundreds of thousands of cases, the team was prioritizing which cases to submit, recognizing that the DOJ’s capacity for prosecution is limited.
“We prepare an evidence file for each case, and the DOJ reviews it,” Musk said, acknowledging that the legal process is slow, but hopeful that justice will prevail in due time.
Shifting Priorities and Long-Term Goals
Looking ahead, Musk spoke about the future of DOGE, acknowledging that his role will evolve. Initially immersed in the daily grind of reform, Musk now expects to reduce his time in Washington to one or two days per week, with a focus on higher-level guidance rather than hands-on management. The Department of Government Efficiency is now running more smoothly, Musk noted, and his presence is less essential.
Despite the challenges, Musk remains resolutely optimistic about DOGE’s long-term impact. He expressed confidence that the department would endure for the remainder of Trump’s term, though he acknowledged that the executive order establishing DOGE expires in July 2026. The future of the department, Musk stated, ultimately depends on Trump’s vision.
Regarding his own political future, Musk was tight-lipped about potential involvement in the 2026 midterms. When asked if he would play a role, he simply deflected the question, shifting the conversation back to DOGE and its mission.
The Absurdity of DOGE’s Existence
One of the more intriguing aspects of Musk’s tenure in Washington is the existence of DOGE itself. Originally a meme coin, DOGE has transformed into a legitimate government initiative. Musk took a moment to reflect on this surreal reality, joking about the absurdity of the situation.
“It’s funny that we’ve got DOGE,” he said. “The absurdity of that seemed like, are we in a simulation here? It was a memecoin at one point. How did we get here?”
This comment highlighted Musk’s ability to blend humor with the seriousness of his role. Despite the challenges, Musk’s ability to navigate the complexities of Washington—while maintaining his signature sense of humor—has been a hallmark of his tenure.
The Road Ahead
As Musk continues his work in Washington, the stakes remain high. His team’s success in saving billions of dollars is significant, but the real test will come when it’s time to push through the more difficult reforms. With a deeply entrenched bureaucracy, Musk’s vision of a more efficient federal government will require not just financial cuts, but a shift in the culture of Washington itself.
For now, Musk’s focus is on continuing to push DOGE’s mission forward, despite the inevitable obstacles. His tenure may be unconventional, but for the billionaire entrepreneur, it’s all part of a larger goal: making government work better for the people it serves.
