Elon Musks Fake Retreat From DOGE

Published: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 9:15 am

Elon Musk's "Retreat" from DOGE: A Closer Look at His Continued Influence

Despite claims of stepping back, Elon Musk's influence within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under a potential Trump administration remains strong, according to a new analysis by the Revolving Door Project. The report scrutinizes Musk's purported reduction in involvement, announced during a Tesla earnings call amidst a significant profit decline, and reveals a web of loyalists and financial ties that ensure his directives are still followed.

The investigation highlights that a significant portion of DOGE staff, at least 46 out of 110, have direct professional or financial connections to Musk and his companies, particularly SpaceX. This includes key figures like Steve Davis, the day-to-day leader of DOGE, who has a long history of working for Musk and is known for his unwavering loyalty. The report also points to the influence of individuals like Antonio Gracias, a personal friend and investor of Musk, now a top DOGE official, and Jehn Balajadia, Musk's personal assistant, who has access across multiple federal agencies.

The analysis suggests that Musk's influence extends beyond DOGE, with his role as a major donor to the Trump campaign providing direct access to the president. The report concludes that Musk's "retreat" is largely symbolic, as his loyalists within the government are unlikely to challenge his directives. The report emphasizes that Musk's influence remains deeply embedded within the administration, making any real change in his impact unlikely.

Keywords: Elon Musk, DOGE, Trump administration, Revolving Door Project, Tesla, SpaceX, Steve Davis, Antonio Gracias, Jehn Balajadia, government influence, political influence, special government employee, federal government, Musk loyalists, Department of Government Efficiency

Full Story