Elon Musk and seven members of his “department of government efficiency” defended their efforts to improve government efficiency amidst public criticism and concerns over agency cuts during a recent Fox News interview. Over the course of an hour-long interview with host Bret Baier, Musk and his team insisted that their initiatives were vital for the survival of the government and aimed to improve the lives of Americans.

Musk and his team downplayed the number of federal employees affected by their cuts, claiming that very few had been fired and that others had left voluntarily. However, court orders have reinstated thousands of workers who were fired without legal authority.

Doge staffers and Musk allies have gained access to sensitive government data and obtained key positions at major government agencies. The team also emphasized their belief that government operations could be improved by incorporating ideas from Silicon Valley and the private sector.

Musk acknowledged that the majority of American voters disapprove of his initiative and faced individual scrutiny from the media and public for his and his team’s lack of experience and behaviors within government agencies.

Musk has defended his team despite scandals surrounding their suitability to work with sensitive government systems and his own controversial comments, including calling a Senator a “traitor.” The Fox News interview took place amidst protests against Musk and his government initiatives.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/27/elon-musk-fox-news-interview-doge