This article explores Elon Musk’s role in Donald Trump’s new administration, where the tech mogul has been appointed to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after heavily backing Trump’s campaign. Musk’s prominent and influential presence has sparked speculation that he could overshadow the new President in office. The DOGE, however, reveals significant shortcomings and appears more like a containment to restrict Musk's political action rather than a genuine promotion.
By Alberto Aloni
Introduction
Elon Musk, regarded as the most prominent entrepreneur globally, will be part of Donald Trump’s imminent government team. The new President in office praised the work that the SpaceX founder will carry out, calling it “the Manhattan Project of our times” [1], a reference to the groundbreaking initiative that provided the United States with the atomic bomb during World War II.
These preconditions and remarks didn’t go unnoticed. They lead some to believe that Musk's influence in his new position could eclipse President Trump. However, the reality is quite different.
Elon Musk will head a department that has never existed before and lacks the formal structure of a traditional governmental office, namely the DOGE. His role will be limited to advising on federal budget cuts for up to 18 months, a task no Republican, from Reagan to Trump, has ever succeeded in doing. The Tesla Patron will not have full responsibility, as he will be assisted by Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former Republican rival with no relevant expertise. The department will also lack an office within the government, further distancing Musk from top-level positions [2]. When critically examined, all these factors do not undermine Trump’s preeminence and point more toward a demotion than an elevation.
The DOGE: what are its remits and what can be expected
On November 12, Trump announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a name that inevitably recalls the homonymous cryptocurrency featuring a Shiba Inu dog. Initially a joke, the cryptocurrency gained popularity thanks to Elon Musk's promotion. However, according to the new White House occupant, this office will be far from sarcastic. It will be tasked with “paving the way for my Administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies” [3] by July 4, 2026. Unsurprisingly, the first declarations are already making waves. Musk and Ramaswamy have promised significant cuts to the federal budget's inefficiencies, estimating potential savings of $2 trillion and a reduction of federal agencies [4].
Triumphalism aside; cuts to federal agencies dealing with education and healthcare are what can reasonably be expected. Both Trump and Musk have repeatedly criticised the Biden administration for infusing schools with gender and "woke" ideologies, which they blame for undermining the United States' traditional values. Along similar lines, federal health agencies are projected to face severe downsizing, particularly those supporting gender transitions, a right both figures have openly opposed [5].
Elon Musk’s new ancillary appointment: the flaws of DOGE
Despite the grandiose presentation, Elon Musk's role appears far less significant than it seems. The DOGE is not formally a department; its creation would require both a budget and congressional approval, neither of which exists. This means the entity will operate outside the government, preventing close collaboration with the Commander-in-Chief [6].
Instead, the billionaire’s involvement is limited to offering recommendations on reducing waste and fraud in government, a task Trump failed to accomplish during his first term and one that no Republican administration has achieved. It is hard to imagine Elon Musk succeeding in 18 months when executives with four-year mandates have fallen short [7].
Additionally, his appointment raises clear conflicts of interest due to his deep ties to industries heavily dependent on government contracts and regulations. For instance, SpaceX is a major contractor for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense, receiving over $15 billion in funds. This overlap prompts legitimate concerns about whether his role will exacerbate fraud and waste rather than reduce it [8].
Further diminishing the initiative’s credibility is the fact that Musk must share his position with Vivek Ramaswamy, who has no government experience or any notable qualifications in the field. Remarkably, even the announcement of Musk’s role was combined with Ramaswamy’s in a single press release, an unprecedented move; especially for Trump, who has historically given high-profile nominations standalone announcements. For comparison, Fox host Pete Hegseth received his own dedicated statement [9].
The supposed Department lacks even a physical office, let alone an official chair or desk, within the federal government. Trump’s press release states that the DOGE will partner with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implying that Musk will only have access to existing OMB resources. However, gaining real influence within the White House seems unlikely. Key West Wing offices are typically reserved for the Vice President and Chief of Staff, whose control over bureaucratic processes would likely keep the tech mogul far from meaningful authority [10].
For these reasons, the probability of success appears slim at best. Pairing Musk with Ramaswamy only underscores Trump’s apparent lack of trust in him, further curtailing his potential influence. This so-called “Manhattan Project” seems destined for failure, not least because the new President himself has never demonstrated the ability to deliver on such ambitious promises.
Conclusion
Elon Musk's appointment will not overshadow Trump or grant him significant power within the administration, at least not with such a superficial role. This position appears to serve more as a strategic stepping stone for Musk’s future ambitions than as an immediate power grab. Trump, known for his reluctance to share leadership, particularly with figures who could rival his status, is unlikely to allow Musk any real political traction. The charge is purely symbolic, and Musk has a place in the executive more for the significant media attention that he can mobilise, rather than its competence. The DOGE is insubstantial and will probably have no incidence on government activity. Donald Trump and Elon Musk will not collaborate meaningfully; their strong personalities and competing interests would inevitably lead to conflict if they were to.
References
[1] Woodward, Alex. “Trump names Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to ‘Manhattan Project’ for government cuts.” The Independent, November 13, 2024. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-elon-musk-manhattan-project-pick-b2646062.html.
[2] O’Donnell, Lawrence. “Lawrence: Elon Musk suffered a humiliating demotion by Donald Trump.” Video. Posted November 13, 2024, by MSNBC. YouTube, 16:42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPt_B802cag.
[3] Lubin, Rhian. “What is DOGE? Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency led by Musk and Ramaswamy.” The Independent, November 14, 2024. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/elon-musk-ramaswamy-trump-cabinet-doge-b2647323.html.
[4] Smith, Allan, and Nicholas, Peter. “Will Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's new 'department' actually be able to do anything?” NBC NEWS, November 15, 2024. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamys-new-department-government-efficiency-rcna179906.
[5] Gonzales, Gilbert, and McKay, Tara. “What an Emerging Trump Administration Means for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health.” Health Equity 1, no. 1 (2017): 83-86. https://doi.org/10.1089/heq.2017.0002.
[6] O’Donnell, Lawrence. 2024.
[7] O’Donnell, Lawrence. 2024.
[8] O’Donnell, Lawrence. 2024.
[9] O’Donnell, Lawrence. 2024.
[10] O’Donnell, Lawrence. 2024.
