Elon Musk Calls DOGE a 'Revolution', as Anti-Tesla Protests Continue

Elon Musk has described the sweeping changes made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as a “revolution,” arguing that the agency’s aggressive cost-cutting measures will reshape the federal government. In his first interview on behalf of DOGE, Musk defended the department’s work, despite widespread criticism over mass layoffs, agency closures, and funding cuts.

“This is a revolution, and I think it might be the biggest revolution in the government since the original revolution,” Musk said in an interview with Fox News on Thursday.

Massive government cuts in motion

Since its formation, DOGE has eliminated tens of thousands of federal jobs, shut down agencies, canceled contracts, and slashed funding for government programs. Public opinion polls cited in American news reports indicate that most Americans disapprove of these drastic changes.

Musk, who holds a "special government employee" status allowing him to work on federal business for up to 130 days per year, suggested that DOGE’s primary work could be completed within that timeframe.

“I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion within that timeframe,” he stated. However, he admitted that even DOGE’s rapid pace feels slow to him.

“What seems like incredibly fast action by government standards is—it’s slower than I’d like, to be totally frank,” Musk said.

Social Security in the crosshairs

Musk’s involvement in government reform has sparked controversy, particularly after he called Social Security entitlements “the big one” to target in a previous interview.

DOGE has since pushed for deep cuts to Social Security services, although some reductions were later reversed following public outcry. The White House assured citizens that Social Security benefits would not be eliminated.

During the interview, Musk and his colleagues alleged widespread fraud within the Social Security system, claiming that 40% of calls to its phone centers were fraudulent and that 15 million people over the age of 120 were still receiving benefits. However, Social Security’s acting commissioner has dismissed these claims, stating that actual fraud amounts to about $100 million per year—less than 1% of the agency’s total payouts.

Fallout hits Musk’s businesses

Public anger over Musk’s role in government downsizing has extended to his business empire, particularly Tesla. The electric carmaker has seen its stock value drop by a third this year, with sales declining globally.

Government officials have even begun investigating domestic terrorism charges related to Molotov cocktail attacks allegedly carried out by activists associated with the #TeslaTakedown movement.

Despite the backlash, Musk remains steadfast in his belief that DOGE is on the right path.