From Apple to a mining disaster: 5 things we learned from Elon Musk and DOGE team's FOX interview
Washington D.C.: Elon Musk and his DOGE team outlined their plans to transform the federal government into a streamlined, tech-centric operation during an exclusive Fox News interview with Bret Baier.
The group — composed of Silicon Valley veterans and industry experts — highlighted inefficiencies, including a 1950s-era limestone mine in Pennsylvania storing 400 million paper retirement documents in 22,000 filing cabinets.
Pushing back on criticism, Musk insisted they’re "measuring twice, cutting once", though admitted progress feels "slower than I like". He projected achieving most of DOGE’s $1 trillion deficit-reduction goals within his 130-day contract.
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Here are five takeaways
Modernizing government technology
Musk and his team highlighted how outdated federal systems are, such as retirement paperwork being processed in a Pennsylvania limestone mine. They aim to streamline processes using modern technology, making government services more efficient.
Creating an ‘Apple Store-like’ experience
The DOGE team envisions a sleek, user-friendly government interface with improved efficiency. Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia emphasized transforming the retirement system to reduce processing times from months to days.
Eliminating waste and fraud
Musk stressed that government databases don’t communicate, creating vulnerabilities for fraud. By integrating these systems, DOGE aims to cut inefficiencies, such as SBA loans being granted to deceased individuals.
No cuts to Social Security benefits
Musk assured that DOGE’s reforms wouldn’t reduce Social Security benefits. Instead, eliminating fraud and inefficiencies would help legitimate recipients receive more funds.
Rapid Government Overhaul
Musk plans to complete significant reforms within 130 days, including reducing the deficit by a trillion dollars. He acknowledged the pace is fast by government standards but slower than he prefers.