Washington, D.C. – Elon Musk made headlines again after his latest appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, where he defended DOGE, criticized government inefficiencies, and addressed conspiracy theories. Despite his high-profile role in the U.S. government, Musk provided few details about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raising concerns about transparency and oversight.
DOGE: What We Still Don’t Know
Musk claimed DOGE is reducing fraud and waste, but his remarks left many questions unanswered.
🔹 DOGE employees reportedly range from 19-year-olds to former tech executives.
🔹 Its total workforce size remains unknown.
🔹 Several lawsuits challenge DOGE’s access to government data.
Despite Musk’s reassurances, lawmakers and federal agencies remain skeptical about how DOGE operates and whether its cost-cutting measures are effective.
📌 Related: DOGE Budget Cuts Spark Government Shutdown Fears Amid GOP Divide
Joe Rogan Pushes for Answers
During the three-hour podcast, Rogan pressed Musk on controversial claims, including:
✔️ Theories about missing gold from Fort Knox
✔️ Alleged Social Security fraud involving “20 million dead people”
✔️ FEMA’s $59 million spending on migrant housing
Although Musk doubled down on these allegations, fact-checkers have debunked many of them. Social Security officials clarified that records showing people as “alive” do not indicate they are receiving benefits. Similarly, FEMA’s spending on migrant housing was publicly approved by Congress, not uncovered by DOGE.
Musk and Trump’s Government Shake-Up
Musk’s outsized role in Trump’s administration was also a hot topic.
🔥 Trump gave Musk significant speaking time during his first Cabinet meeting.
🔥 DOGE’s budget cuts have disrupted major federal agencies, including FEMA and the Social Security Administration.
🔥 Trump publicly praised Musk, calling DOGE “revolutionary.”
However, concerns about DOGE’s authority continue to grow. Courts are reviewing whether the department has legal grounds to access federal databases and implement widespread cuts.
📌 Related: DOGE Budget Cuts Spark Government Shutdown Fears Amid GOP Divide
Controversy Over Musk’s Inauguration Gesture
Addressing backlash from Trump’s inauguration, Musk denied accusations that he made a Nazi-like salute during the event. He called the media’s coverage “deliberate propaganda”, insisting the gesture was meant in a positive spirit.
“I’d literally said, ‘my heart goes out to you.’ It was very positive.” – Elon Musk
Despite his defense, critics continue to call for accountability over Musk’s government influence and rhetoric.
What’s Next for DOGE?
As DOGE faces increasing legal scrutiny, Musk may need to clarify its operations to avoid further congressional intervention. Lawmakers on both sides remain divided on whether DOGE is truly reducing waste or simply creating chaos.
📌 Related: DOGE Budget Cuts Spark Government Shutdown Fears Amid GOP Divide