Elon Musk said he would not repeat his role leading the Trump-era Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), describing the initiative as only “somewhat successful” and saying it diverted attention from his companies. Musk made the remarks during a wide-ranging interview on The Katie Miller Podcast recorded in Texas.
Musk said the DOGE idea originated from an internet suggestion to rename the Government Efficiency Commission as the “Department of Government Efficiency,” or “DOGE.”
“We were a little a little bit successful. We were somewhat successful.”
He said the department eliminated what he called “zombie payments” — federal disbursements lacking adequate coding or justification.
“There was like probably 100 maybe $200 billion dollars worth of zombie payments per year … simply by enforcing that there be a payment code and an explanation for the payment, the payment would not go out.”
Musk said political pushback to cutting federal expenditures was immediate.
“If you stop money going … for political corruption, they will lash out big time. So they really want the money to keep flowing.”
When asked if he would take the DOGE role again, Musk said he would not.
“Instead of doing DOGE, I would have basically … worked on my companies essentially.”
Says Illegal Immigration Incentives Amount to “Voter Importation”
Musk argued that current federal policies create financial incentives that encourage illegal immigration.
“There are massive transfer payments going to illegal immigrants … essentially we’re paying people to come here from somewhere else in vast numbers. In vast numbers including flying them in. So, like it’s not like you need a border wall if you’re flying them in.”
He claimed these incentives translate into long-term political outcomes once migrants eventually become citizens.
“Fast-tracking them to citizenship and making them beholden to government payments … voting hard left.”
Musk pointed to Democratic officeholders he said exemplify this dynamic.
“Let’s look at, you know, Ilhan Omar, who was literally voted into power, voted into Congress by, you know, a large group of people from Somalia, who are in Minnesota, which is really far from Somalia.”
He then cited New York Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani as another example.
“Or Mandani, who was voted to be mayor— but by a majority of people who are not born in America. That’s my understanding at least.”
Musk said these examples reflect broader national trends that he believes could reshape political power.
“If you say if anyone comes here from anywhere else, we’re going to pay you tons of money, give you lots of free stuff … you’re going to get a lot of people taking up that offer.”
DX note: Non-citizens — including illegal immigrants — cannot vote in federal elections under U.S. law, and eligibility for most federal benefits is limited. Musk’s remarks reflect his interpretation of how immigration and benefits policies may influence long-term political alignment through future naturalized citizens.
Calls President Donald Trump “Naturally Funny”
Musk said President Donald Trump is one of the funniest people he knows.
“President Trump is very funny … he’s like naturally funny.”
He recalled an Oval Office exchange where Trump defused criticism with humor.
“They asked him if he thought the president was a fascist and the president said, ‘Just say yes. It’s easier that way.’”
Musk on God: “The Creator”
When asked who he looks up to most, Musk replied:
“The creator.”
Pressed on whether he believes in God, Musk clarified:
“Well, I believe this universe came for something. People have different labels.”
The exchange is one of Musk’s clearest public comments about his metaphysical beliefs.
Musk Warns Against Becoming a “Communist Hell Hole,” Predicts “Optional” Work in AI Future
Musk said part of his concern about current policy trends is avoiding what he views as authoritarian or centrally planned outcomes.
“I don’t… we just don’t want to turn into a… you know, communist hell hole basically.”
He then expanded on his longstanding belief that artificial intelligence and robotics will fundamentally change the global workforce.
“Assuming the current trend of artificial intelligence and robotics continues, which seems likely, the AI and robots will be able to do anything that humans want them to do essentially.”
Musk predicted that automation would make employment optional.
“AI and robotics will be able to provide all the goods and services that anyone could possibly want… work will be optional.”
He clarified that his predictions are not necessarily his personal preferences.
“What I predict to happen is not the same as what I want to happen.”
He added that despite wanting to slow AI, he cannot.
“If I could, I would certainly slow down AI and robotics, but I can’t… it’s advancing at a very rapid pace, whether I like it or not.”
Musk said AI has previously caused him repeated nightmares.
“Where do I wake up in nightmares? Oh, AI. Yeah. Actually, I’ve had a lot of AI nightmares… I had AI nightmares many days in a row.”
Says Starship Will Be Judged as a Turning Point in Human History
Musk said SpaceX’s Starship, built and launched from Starbase in South Texas, may rank among the most important developments in the history of life.
“If there are historians in the future, they’ll look back and say it was one of the most profound things that ever happened.”
He argued that creating a multi-planet civilization is a top-tier evolutionary milestone.
“Life becoming multi-planetary … is in the top 10.”
Simulation Theory: “Keep It Interesting”
Discussing simulation theory, Musk joked that humanity’s fate could depend on entertainment value.
“We could be an alien Netflix series … and that series is only going to get continued if our ratings are good.”
He said the goal is simple:
“We just have to keep it interesting so they don’t turn the computer off.”
Musk’s remarks closed out an interview that moved from federal spending and immigration to artificial intelligence, religion, and the future of human spaceflight. While he offered few comments specific to Texas, he highlighted SpaceX’s Starbase complex in South Texas as the foundation for what he views as one of humanity’s most consequential technological milestones.
The discussion offered a glimpse into how Musk is thinking about policy, technology, and long-term civilization from his base of operations in the state where many of his most ambitious projects now reside.
