Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has become a powerful tool for his cost-cutting initiative, dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency. As part of his crusade to slash government spending, Mr. Musk is using X to boast of victories, lash out at enemies, and conduct polls on the proposal.
Since taking office, Mr. Musk has attacked journalists, X users, and government officials who oppose his efforts, labeling them “hysterical” or “breaking the law.” He has also mocked Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, calling him “evil.”
Recently, Mr. Musk celebrated his progress on X, posting that he had effectively shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the government’s lead agency for humanitarian aid. The billionaire has also begun poll on X: “Would you like DOGE to audit the IRS?”
Experts say that Mr. Musk is using his platform to promote a confrontational approach to cost cutting, which appeals to President Trump’s base. Sarah Kreps, director of the Cornell Brooks School Tech Policy Institute, notes that this approach is key to populism and has been effective in mobilizing Mr. Musk’s constituency.
The transformation of X into Mr. Musk’s megaphone began when he bought the platform in 2022. Since then, his engagement with posts has skyrocketed, making him the loudest voice on X. As part of his initiative, Mr. Musk has challenged congressional authority and potentially breached civil service protections.
Critics, including lawmakers like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Schumer, have accused Mr. Musk of overreach and misuse of power. However, Mr. Musk remains undeterred, using X to defend those working on his initiative and lash out at critics.
The controversy surrounding Mr. Musk’s use of X has raised concerns about conflict-of-interest in his business portfolio, which relies on government contracts and subsidies. Despite these concerns, President Trump has brushed off the fears, fueling speculation that Mr. Musk’s influence will continue to shape the administration’s agenda.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/technology/elon-musk-x-doge.html