President-elect Donald Trump is spearheading the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a bold new initiative aimed at tackling government waste and inefficiency. Led by tech mogul Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, the program is recruiting top talent for unpaid, high-stakes work.
DOGE is seeking “super high-IQ” candidates willing to dedicate over 80 hours a week to cost-cutting and regulatory reform. A recent post by the group described the mission as ideal for “small-government revolutionaries” prepared to take on tedious, challenging tasks.
Elon Musk says he wants “super high IQ” workers for DOGE — but they may not be paid https://t.co/sedNp9rzOs pic.twitter.com/B0CORkHQOD
— The Independent (@Independent) November 17, 2024
Both Musk and Ramaswamy are working pro bono, as are all DOGE recruits. Musk acknowledged the difficulty of the work, stating it would make participants “lots of enemies” with no financial reward. Despite the challenges, DOGE’s leaders are optimistic about its potential to reshape government operations.
The federal government has faced criticism for wasteful spending for years. Improper payments alone have cost taxpayers $2.7 trillion since 2003, with $236 billion lost in 2023. Programs like Medicare and Medicaid are among the most significant contributors.
We will do weekly @DOGE updates via livestream
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 14, 2024
Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, praised the initiative as overdue. She emphasized that reforming inefficient programs could save taxpayers trillions over the next decade while improving government accountability.
DOGE will also address fraud, which costs taxpayers hundreds of billions annually, according to the Government Accountability Office. By targeting these inefficiencies, the program aims to reduce waste and restore public trust in federal institutions.
🐿️🇺🇸 @DOGE https://t.co/w7jo2SMqCH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 17, 2024
“I want no pay, no awards, no recognition or fancy title. I just want America to reach greater heights.”
一 Elon Musk pic.twitter.com/Dcv4irEpDu
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) November 14, 2024
Trump’s supporters view DOGE as a landmark effort to reduce government overreach and streamline operations. Many hope Musk and Ramaswamy’s leadership will inspire the innovation needed to bring lasting change to Washington.