Elon Musk, Trump, DOGE reform, and media controversy:
DOGE or Disaster? Elon Musk’s $175B Government Reform Under Fire
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently made waves at a White House press event where he firmly shut down a reporter’s question about alleged drug use. The inquiry came from a New York Times article claiming Musk had misused substances like ketamine and psychedelics during Donald Trump's 2024 campaign. Before the journalist could finish, Musk interrupted, questioning the credibility of the New York Times by bringing up its past reporting on Trump’s alleged ties with Russia.
During the press event, Elon Musk stood next to President Donald Trump, both defending their work on a project called DOGE — the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk had played a major role in this initiative since Trump returned to office. The DOGE project aimed to cut waste, reduce spending, and save taxpayer money. According to its website, the initiative claimed $175 billion in savings, although an independent analysis found only about $32.5 billion in clearly documented savings.
Musk’s comments about the New York Times were sharp and direct. He referenced a recent court decision allowing Trump to proceed with a defamation lawsuit over the Pulitzer Prizes given to the Times and Washington Post for their Russia investigation coverage. Musk asked rhetorically, “That New York Times?” and dismissed the article entirely, urging reporters to “move on.” This reaction drew strong responses online, with supporters applauding Musk for taking on what they see as biased media.
Despite the controversy, President Trump praised Elon Musk’s efforts in the DOGE initiative. Trump called him a “friend” and someone who had done a “fantastic job” despite not needing the role. He emphasized how Musk had changed mindsets in Washington and claimed Musk's leadership brought one of the biggest government reform movements in recent history. Trump added that Musk would still be involved with the White House “back and forth,” even though his term as a special government employee had ended.
DOGE itself sparked major debate. The program resulted in thousands of federal job cuts and the near-complete removal of USAID, America's foreign aid agency. These moves triggered global protests against Musk’s companies, including Tesla, and caused a sharp drop in Tesla’s sales. Critics say DOGE went too far, while supporters argue it was necessary to fight waste and fraud in the federal system.
While Musk was leaving his official role, he assured the public that DOGE's mission would continue. He stated the goal of cutting $1 trillion in government spending was still on track. In a CBS interview, Musk voiced disappointment with Trump’s tax and defense spending bill, saying it undermined DOGE’s progress. However, he refrained from criticizing the bill during the White House event, allowing Trump to offer his own defense.
Musk's appearance also drew attention for another reason — he had a bruised eye. When asked, Musk joked that it was from his five-year-old son, X Æ A-12, playfully punching him in the face. He also denied being in France, referencing a separate incident involving French political figures. It was a moment of levity in an otherwise tense press conference.
Public opinion about Elon Musk remains divided. Some see him as a bold reformer who sacrificed for the country, while others question his decisions and motives. On social media, Musk received strong praise from fans who called him a game-changer. Regardless of where people stand, one thing is clear — Elon Musk continues to be a powerful and polarizing figure in both tech and politics.
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