Elon Musk has suggested that AI should replace many federal government workers, criticising the US administration as bloated and inefficient.
Speaking privately at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Musk argued AI could perform government tasks faster and with greater accuracy, ultimately saving taxpayers money.
His remarks coincided with the winding down of his controversial volunteer role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative born under Donald Trump’s presidency.
Musk spent over 100 days embedded in the White House, even setting up a small office in the West Wing. Despite joking about its minimal view and sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom, he claimed his work had major impacts — including rooting out fraud and slashing federal budgets.
Musk said DOGE was responsible for cutting $160 billion in government spending, although no formal evidence has been released to support that figure.
The programme has sparked intense backlash. Thousands of federal employees were reportedly dismissed or resigned during the DOGE audits, prompting lawsuits and allegations of illegal firings.
Critics say the sweeping cuts have left the US less prepared for emergencies and reduced its global influence, allowing China to expand its reach. Protesters have targeted Tesla in response, leading Trump to defend Musk and condemn the attacks.
Although scaling back his involvement in Washington, Musk isn’t leaving entirely. He will now spend only one or two days a week on government affairs, returning more of his focus to Tesla amid flagging sales and investor pressure.
Despite the chaos, DOGE has inspired new political groups in Congress, blurring the line between satire and policy. Musk himself finds it all surreal, asking, ‘Are we in a simulation here?’
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