In a recent address at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), advocated for the U.S. federal government to “delete entire agencies” as part of a broader initiative to streamline operations and reduce spending.

According to CNBC, He likened excessive bureaucracy to a weed that must be uprooted entirely to prevent regrowth.

Musk’s remarks align with the Trump administration’s efforts to significantly reform the federal government. He has been granted substantial authority by President Donald Trump to deconstruct parts of the government. Under his leadership, DOGE has already dismantled agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Musk has criticized civil servants as unaccountable “bureaucrats” and emphasized the need to reduce the federal government’s size and regulation to restore democracy.

Critics argue that the real inefficiency in government stems from the extensive reliance on private-sector contractors, which adds costs and creates waste.

Historical efforts to streamline government have often resulted in layoffs but expanded contracting significantly.

For instance, USAID has heavily relied on domestic contractors since its establishment, leading to issues such as fraud and embezzlement.

Musk’s efforts have further weakened accountability by diminishing oversight mechanisms.

Some suggest that improving government efficiency should focus on reducing outsourcing, increasing the public workforce, and enhancing oversight, rather than cutting federal agencies and perpetuating reliance on private contractors.

Musk’s aggressive approach has faced legal challenges and protests.

A Massachusetts judge recently allowed the administration to proceed with a plan to reduce the federal workforce through voluntary buyouts, overturning a temporary pause obtained by several unions that labeled the plan as illegal and rushed.

Approximately 65,000 employees have already accepted the offer.

The consolidation of power in the hands of an unelected figure like Musk has raised concerns about accountability and the potential for conflicts of interest, given his extensive business ventures.

While Musk and his team at DOGE are targeting fraud, waste, and abuse in government spending by adopting a business-like approach,

critics argue that the solution for improving government efficiency lies in reducing outsourcing, increasing the public workforce, and enhancing oversight, rather than cutting federal agencies and perpetuating reliance on private contractors.

As DOGE continues its mission to restructure the federal government, the debate over the best methods to achieve efficiency and accountability remains a contentious issue.