Elon Musk and his team at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) defended their efforts to overhaul the federal government in an hour-long Fox News interview. Their goal: reduce bureaucracy, cut waste, and modernize government operations.
Speaking with Fox News host Bret Baier, Musk described the progress made so far, noting, “In the context of the government, we’re moving like lightning. But it’s still slower than I’d like.”
Since the start of the second Trump administration, DOGE has downsized several agencies, implemented voluntary buyouts, and introduced sweeping digital transformations. While critics argue these changes disrupt vital services, Musk insists the reforms will lead to a more efficient government.
Here are the key takeaways from the interview:
An ‘Apple Store-Like’ Government Experience
Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb and a DOGE member, highlighted efforts to streamline bureaucratic processes. He specifically pointed to a vast archive of retirement documents in Pennsylvania, saying that digitization would vastly improve efficiency.
“We really believe the government can have an Apple Store-like experience—beautifully designed, great user experience, and modern systems,” Gebbia said.
This vision aligns with Musk’s broader goal of integrating Silicon Valley’s technological innovations into government operations. Gebbia emphasized that DOGE aims to empower government employees and deliver a seamless digital experience to citizens.
Addressing Concerns Over Social Security
One of the most contentious aspects of DOGE’s initiatives has been its handling of Social Security. Critics, particularly from the Democratic Party, have accused Musk’s team of job cuts that destabilize the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA website has reportedly crashed multiple times in recent weeks, and agency call centers have been overwhelmed.
However, DOGE staffer Steve Davis pushed back against these criticisms, asserting that the team is working to eliminate fraudulent claims while ensuring legitimate beneficiaries receive their payments. DOGE engineer Aram Moghaddassi added that enhanced cross-agency communication would help prevent fraud.
Musk reassured viewers, stating, “The 94-year-old grandmother is going to get her check. Legitimate beneficiaries will get more Social Security, not less.” He also promised efforts to maintain website stability.
Voluntary Departures, Not Mass Firings
Amid widespread reports of government layoffs, Anthony Armstrong, a senior adviser at the Office of Personnel Management, downplayed the extent of job cuts. He explained that the majority of personnel reductions have been voluntary.
“You’ve heard a lot of news about people getting fired. At this moment in time, less than 0.15% of the federal workforce has actually received a reduction-in-force (RIF) notice,” Armstrong stated.
While most federal agencies have submitted workforce reduction plans slated for implementation in April, the full impact remains unclear. A leaked document reviewed by The Washington Post suggested that staff reductions could range from 8% to 50% across various agencies. Musk and his team did not directly address these upcoming cuts during the interview.
“Basically, almost no one has gotten fired,” Musk claimed, reaffirming that DOGE prioritizes fairness and respect in its restructuring efforts.
The Road Ahead
Musk’s government reform strategy continues to attract both praise and criticism. While supporters argue that his Silicon Valley-inspired approach could make the government more efficient, detractors warn of potential disruptions to essential services.
As DOGE moves forward with its plans, all eyes remain on the real-world impact of these reforms. Whether Musk’s “Apple Store-like” vision for government services becomes a reality—or faces insurmountable roadblocks—remains to be seen.
