A newly created advisory group led by billionaire Elon Musk is driving sweeping efforts to reshape the US government following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The group, known as “Doge,” has drawn scrutiny for its aggressive cost-cutting measures, including attempts to seize control of federal payment systems, dismantle USAID, and push federal employees to resign or face termination.
Despite its name—including the term “Department”—Doge is not an official government agency. Instead, it operates as an advisory body with direct ties to Trump, working to identify spending cuts and regulatory rollbacks. Musk, initially serving as an outside volunteer, was later designated an unpaid special government employee by the White House.
Critics have raised concerns over Doge’s lack of transparency and its access to sensitive financial databases, leading to legal battles over privacy. The US Treasury has since limited the group’s access to government payment systems. Meanwhile, Doge has begun recruiting staff via Musk’s social media platform, X, promising grueling work without pay.
Musk has pledged to cut $2 trillion in government spending—a goal many experts deem unrealistic. Some lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders, initially backed select budget cuts but have since condemned Doge’s sweeping approach. Others, like Representative Jared Moskowitz, have cautiously supported targeted spending reductions.
Despite legal and political pushback, Trump remains committed to Doge’s mission, setting a deadline of July 4, 2026, to present a dramatically downsized federal government.
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