The Rise and Fall of “Doge”: A Timeline

• Early days: Musk’s arrival was marked by ambitious promises of slashing $2 trillion in government spending.
• Reality Check: the promised savings failed to materialize, with some critics suggesting the initiative, dubbed “Doge,” might actually cost taxpayers more.
• Collateral Damage: Musk’s involvement in Washington coincided with a significant drop in his net worth and boycotts against Tesla.
• Exit Strategy: Musk is now preparing to leave his advisory role, leaving behind a trail of questions and controversies.

Musk’s Motives: Beyond Efficiency

While the stated goal was government efficiency, some observers believe Musk had othre motivations. One theory suggests a desire to inflict harm on perceived enemies within the bureaucracy.

The first is the psychic value to him and Trump of harming their enemies. The cliche about an expensive divorce being worth every penny applies.

Despite a reported $130 billion decrease in Musk’s net worth as President Trump’s inauguration, his actions instilled fear within government agencies, from the CIA to the Department of Education.

the “downsides to Doge’s valley of tears – a demoralized workforce and bad headlines about non-existent savings – can be presented as a win. Musk assaulted the deep state. With some help from the courts, the bureaucracy has fought back but is badly wounded.”

The “Golden Dome” opportunity

Another potential benefit for Musk lies in President Trump’s “Golden Dome” project, a proposed missile defense system modeled after Israel’s “Iron Dome.” This initiative could become one of the largest taxpayer-funded projects as President ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, also known as “Star Wars.”

The project,potentially rivaling NASA’s Project Apollo in cost (estimated at $280 billion in today’s money),would heavily rely on satellites,positioning Musk’s SpaceX as a primary beneficiary.

SpaceX has reportedly formed a “Golden Dome consortium” with Palantir and Anduril,companies run by Musk’s allies in the tech industry.

this raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the fairness of the bidding process.

Tesla’s Tarnished Brand

Musk’s political activities and controversial statements on his X platform have negatively impacted Tesla’s brand. Boycotts have emerged in Europe and the U.S., fueled by perceptions of far-right sympathies.

A London spoof advertising campaign labeled Tesla a Swasticar – from zero to 1939 in three seconds, highlighting the backlash against Musk’s public persona.

Musk’s response, including enlisting Pam Bondi, President Trump’s former attorney general, to label Tesla showroom vandalism as terrorism, suggests a disconnect from his image problem.

Trump’s Attempted Balm

President Trump has publicly attempted to support Musk, acknowledging his “sacrifice” during a cabinet meeting. In an interview with Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, Musk expressed feeling misunderstood.

Now you’re here in Washington DC alongside president Trump to try and essentially save our country. Has anyone saeid thank you to you?

Lara Trump

Musk claimed that while many had thanked him, others misinterpreted his actions, such as Nazi-seeming salutes, suggesting a intentional effort to discredit him: they really are trying every angle to get me.

Wisconsin: A Litmus Test Failed

Musk’s influence with President Trump reportedly waned after his financial support failed to sway a Wisconsin Supreme Court election in favor of a conservative candidate. despite spending $22 million, the opposing judge won, maintaining a liberal majority on the state’s highest court.

Wisconsin was a litmus test that Trump set and Musk failed.

Furthermore, Musk’s efforts to uncover large-scale corruption through his “wall of receipts” met with resistance from both the judiciary and the Republican-controlled Congress.

Grok’s Assessment: A Cautionary Tale

Musk’s own AI platform, Grok, offered a critical assessment of his time in Washington:

His Doge experiment resulted in operational turmoil, legal entanglements, and limited results, overshadowing modest gains … less a triumph than a cautionary tale.

Conclusion: A Boomerang Affect

Musk’s Washington endeavor, envisioned as a revolutionary overhaul, appears to have backfired, leaving a complex legacy of unfulfilled promises, damaged reputations, and potential financial gains through government contracts.

If there is such a thing as a chainsaw that boomerangs, Musk invented it.

FAQ: Elon Musk’s Washington Stint

What was the “Department of Government Efficiency”?

An initiative led by Elon Musk to cut government spending.

Did Musk achieve his savings goals?

No, the promised $2 trillion in savings did not materialize.

What is the “Golden Dome” project?

A proposed U.S. missile defense system similar to Israel’s “Iron Dome.”

How has Musk’s Washington involvement affected Tesla?

It has led to boycotts and damaged the company’s brand image.

Is Musk leaving his advisory role?

Yes, he is preparing to exit his position in Washington.