Elon Musk is spearheading the Trump administration’s historic crackdown on bloated federal spending as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His aggressive cost-cutting mission has already forced major changes across multiple agencies, including the Pentagon. The biggest challenge ahead? Whether the CIA will cooperate with DOGE’s deep audit or push back against external oversight.
Musk’s War on Government Waste
Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is leading an unprecedented effort to eliminate $1 trillion in wasteful federal spending. President Trump tasked Musk with bringing his private-sector expertise to Washington, vowing to clean up unnecessary programs and bureaucratic excess.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has acknowledged DOGE’s influence by inviting Musk to discuss potential cost-cutting measures within the intelligence community. The invitation signals that even America’s most secretive agencies are not off-limits.
Since January, DOGE has targeted wasteful programs in the Department of Education, USAID, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Pentagon has already identified $800 million in savings, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs that the administration deemed unnecessary.
Strategic Cuts and National Security
Musk has emphasized a balanced approach, urging careful evaluation before making drastic cuts. “I do agree that we actually want to be careful in the cuts,” he said, indicating that his team will focus on eliminating inefficiencies rather than blindly slashing budgets.
🚨 JUST IN: Elon Musk and DOGE will soon begin digging into the CIA
This is going to get SPICY 🔥
CIA Director John Ratcliffe invited Elon to a DOGE meeting at CIA HQ this coming Monday, per @C__Herridge
The amount of dark money flowing through that agency is INSANE. Time for… pic.twitter.com/GP6zioNj0R
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 28, 2025
His methodical strategy has already led to an investigation into wasteful spending at the National Security Agency. Musk has become a frequent attendee at cabinet meetings, signaling his expanding influence in shaping Trump’s economic policy and federal reform agenda.
Public Backlash and Political Fallout
Musk’s approach has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and critics. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that 60% of Americans disapprove of his handling of federal job cuts, raising concerns about the impact of mass layoffs within government agencies.
🚨 Elon Musk is going to the CIA TODAY to discuss government efficiency plans
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 31, 2025
His controversial remark calling Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time” has also rattled some within the Trump administration. Insiders have suggested that Musk should scale back public comments to prevent undermining confidence in essential government programs. Despite the criticism, Musk remains committed to Trump’s goal of making Washington more efficient and accountable.