Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has officially launched its mission to identify and eliminate waste within federal agencies, starting with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Backed by President-elect Donald Trump, DOGE is leading a new effort to dramatically cut government spending and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Created as a privately funded watchdog group, DOGE was designed to streamline government operations and eliminate wasteful programs. Musk, alongside biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has rapidly expanded the group’s influence in Washington. DOGE agents are now embedded in multiple agencies, including the Treasury Department, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The first @DOGE Agents arrived in Washington, D.C., with a clear target: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). https://t.co/yzwqlH9lJX
— ginny j. (@ncginny) January 13, 2025
@DOGE I hope you look into the IRS and illegal surveillance. No search warrant needed.
— Jim chester (@bigjimchester) January 13, 2025
Operating out of SpaceX’s offices in Washington, D.C., DOGE has deployed 50 staffers to conduct internal reviews and interviews across various federal departments. The group plans to double in size to 100 employees by the time President Donald Trump is inaugurated later this month, signaling the urgency and scale of its mission.
86k new IRS agents hell bent on destroying small businesses as Biden planned. Hmmm – can’t wait for the defunding to start. Can’t be soon enough. What else will we find? Popcorn please! Gooool Elon!!!! DOGE! https://t.co/WyZ8cmcz5N
— ElCID (@dj316Trump) January 13, 2025
Please DOGE abolish the corrupt FED/IRS
— GJ (@JeffersonHolly3) January 13, 2025
Musk has set ambitious targets for government savings, aiming to cut up to $2 trillion from the federal budget. However, he recently acknowledged that even reaching $1 trillion in cuts would be a major victory. “If we try for $2 trillion, we’ve got a good shot at getting $1 [trillion],” Musk stated, emphasizing his commitment to significant reductions in federal spending.
@realDonaldTrump @JDVance @elonmusk @VivekGRamaswamy @DOGE
ABOLISH THE IRS!!!
— Pirate58 (@Pirate5822) January 13, 2025
Audit of IRS by DOGE is Essential.
Get our best forensic accountants
with pristine credentials. https://t.co/Z9bq7hx9NF— l lorenz (@lucindalorenz) January 13, 2025
DOGE’s close relationship with Trump’s transition team has sparked concerns among critics who argue that the group’s rapid expansion could blur the line between private influence and government policy. However, supporters view DOGE as a necessary force to disrupt entrenched government waste and bring accountability to Washington.
I have a suggestion for DOGE, take the 80k plus IRS agents hired by the Biden administration and repurpose them as board patrol agents. If they refuse, their choice. At least they won't get paid unemployment or severance.
— Peggy Ehresman (@PeggyB18904) January 12, 2025
As DOGE ramps up its efforts, agencies like the IRS are bracing for sweeping changes. Musk’s aggressive strategy to slash spending and dismantle inefficient programs signals a major shift in how the federal government operates. With Trump’s support, DOGE is poised to reshape Washington’s approach to fiscal responsibility and government oversight.
