Elon Musk and DOGE Team Thank Federal Workers for Cutting Waste: ‘Conflict Is the Exception’

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team publicly thanked federal workers Thursday for their collaboration in cutting wasteful spending and modernizing government operations.

During an interview on Jesse Watters Primetime, Musk, 53, emphasized that while media coverage often highlights conflict, most federal employees have been cooperative in DOGE’s mission to eliminate fraud and inefficiency.

“We’d like to just give a big thank you to all the government employees who are helping reduce the waste and fraud, because this is—we really couldn’t do it without you,” Musk said during a late-night staff meeting at DOGE headquarters.

Conflict Is Rare, But Resistance Exists

Musk clarified that not all government employees are obstacles—many are actively working with DOGE to improve efficiency. However, he acknowledged that some agencies, like the United States Institute of Peace, have pushed back.

DOGE team members revealed shocking findings, including loaded guns inside the agency’s headquarters and deleted financial records. They also uncovered questionable spending, such as private jet expenses and a $130,000 contract with a former Taliban member—details now under DOJ and FBI review.

Modernizing Outdated Systems

While some agencies resist change, others, like the Federal Employees Retirement System, have embraced modernization. Musk mocked the current system as “prehistoric—dinosaurs would think this is old.”

A Long-Term Mission

Despite his temporary government role ending May 30, Musk assured that DOGE’s work will continue. “If we take our eye off the ball, the waste and fraud will come roaring back,” he warned.

So far, DOGE claims $160 billion in annual spending cuts, though exact figures remain unclear. President Trump, who appointed Musk, has praised the team’s efforts, which include dismantling USAID and scrutinizing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Controversy and Criticism

Critics argue Musk—unelected yet influential—has overstepped by restructuring agencies without congressional approval. Meanwhile, Tesla vehicles and charging stations have faced vandalism, with some suspects charged as domestic terrorists.

As DOGE presses forward, Musk remains optimistic: “There is conflict, but that is the exception.”

Why This Matters:

• Government efficiency is a hot-button issue for taxpayers.

• Musk’s role highlights private-public collaboration—and its controversies.

• The findings expose potential misuse of federal funds, sparking accountability debates.

What do you think? Should private figures like Musk have this much influence over government operations?