Elon Musk says DOGE became ‘whipping boy' for US policy changes

Tech billionaire Elon Musk claimed Sunday that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) “became the whipping boy,” for policy changes and budget cuts in the US.

“It's a bit unfair because DOGE became the whipping boy for everything,” Musk told CBS News.

“So, if there was some cut, real or imagined, everyone would blame DOGE. I've had people think that, like, somehow DOGE is gonna stop them from getting their Social Security check, which is completely untrue,” he said.

Musk also criticized the growing size of the federal government, comparing it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is known for its inefficiency.

Musk said that he is “a proponent of smaller government, not bigger government,” adding that those who favor expanded government programs are fundamentally opposed to DOGE's cuts due to their belief that government should do more.

“But my frank opinion of the government is that … the government is just like the DMV that got big, okay? So, when you say like, ‘Let's have the government do something,' you should think, ‘Do you want the DMV to do it?'” Musk said.

Musk noted that he does not always agree with US President Donald Trump but still respects much of the administration's work.

“It's not like I agree with everything the administration does. I mean, I agree with much of what the administration does. But we have differences of opinion,” Musk said.

“There are things that I don't entirely agree with. But it's difficult for me to bring that up in an interview because then it creates a bone of contention,” he added.

Musk previously announced he is stepping down as a top adviser to Trump. Following the announcement, Trump said many DOGE staff will remain and that Musk will continue his involvement “back and forth.”

Musk has led DOGE's efforts to eliminate federal offices, reduce regulations, rapidly cut the federal workforce, and reprogram or remove certain government websites, software, and systems.