A new advisory group led by the world's wealthiest individual has actively participated in some of the most extreme attempts to revamp the US government since Donald Trump's return to the White House.
Elon Musk, appointed by Trump to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency, is spearheading the initiative to take control of the federal payment system, dismantle an aid agency, and present millions of federal employees with a choice: resign or be terminated.
Known as “Doge,” possibly a nod to Musk's preferred cryptocurrency, dogecoin, this cost-cutting endeavor was initially introduced by Trump post his victory in November.
Described by Trump as potentially the modern-day equivalent of 'The Manhattan Project', a secretive World War Two endeavor to develop nuclear weapons, Doge's goals have long been envisioned by Republican politicians. However, questions remain regarding Doge's operational methods and its future targets within federal programs.
Initially led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, a financier and former presidential nominee aspirant from the Republican party, Doge's status as a department is unofficial, differing from established government departments which require congressional authorization and employ thousands of individuals.
Operating as an advisory body with close ties to the White House, Doge aims to support the Trump administration in identifying spending reductions and compiling a list of regulations deemed outside the legal jurisdiction of agencies.
Despite the unclear specifics, Doge's mission is apparent - a substantial overhaul of the government through significant budget cuts. Musk envisions slashing federal regulations, executing mass layoffs, and potentially terminating entire agencies.
While criticisms have surfaced around Doge's access to sensitive payment databases, its encouragement for veteran employees to resign, and the closure of USAID, a legal battle is ongoing concerning privacy and data access rights.
Musk has utilized X, the social media platform he owns - formerly known as Twitter, to recruit employees for Doge, emphasizing the demanding nature of the work and zero monetary compensation.
Doge's anticipated lifespan is set to conclude on July 4, 2026, aimed at presenting a more efficient and less bureaucratic government as a gift to America on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Some liken Doge to the Grace Commission initiated by President Reagan in 1982, designed to reform the federal bureaucracy and stem excessive spending. Musk's ambitious commitments have raised skepticism among experts for the immense challenge involved in achieving such extensive governmental cuts.
This potential feat is viewed as unrealistic by some due to the complexity of where spending reductions can be made, considering mandatory budget allocations to popular entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare.
Despite this, Doge has managed to garner support from unexpected voices, with politicians like Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna expressing agreement with certain proposed cuts, yet critiquing Musk's unilateral actions and the constitutionality of the endeavors.