Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy Take on Government Spending
Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are teaming up to shake up Washington’s biggest targets, starting with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Their ambitious plans involve cutting the agency’s budget and reimagining how Americans handle taxes.
The duo’s initiative extends beyond the IRS. They are leading a federal spending cut of $2 trillion through their Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E), targeting other bloated or outdated agencies.
Revamping Federal Spending
Elon Musk has been vocal about the inefficiencies and scandals plaguing the IRS. He aims to introduce a free tax-filing app, propose an audit, and implement massive layoffs to address what he sees as “administrative overgrowth.”
Through a poll on X, over 60% of respondents voted to eliminate the IRS budget entirely, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the agency.
Additionally, D.O.G.E plans to slash funding for agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Department of Education.
Overhauling Government Agencies
The $2 trillion spending cut targets multiple agencies and programs. The CFPB, in particular, has drawn Elon’s attention, with calls to “delete CFPB” sparking debates on the agency’s necessity.
Vivek Ramaswamy has proposed significant reductions within the Department of Education, suggesting that entire agencies may be eliminated. This aligns with previous efforts, such as Project 2025, advocating for similar actions.
The Department of Defense’s massive $1 trillion budget is also under scrutiny. Vivek criticizes the Pentagon for excessive bureaucracy, highlighting annual expenses of $125 billion on administrative tasks.
Notably, Elon’s SpaceX has not faced budget cuts despite its $3.6 billion in federal defense contracts. D.O.G.E also plans to redirect funds allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), overseeing PBS and NPR.
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Elon and Vivek criticized unauthorized federal spending, citing the CPB funding as an example of reckless financial management.
Rethinking the IRS
Elon Musk is reportedly in talks to develop a government-backed tax-filing app, aiming to simplify tax season and eliminate third-party services like TurboTax. The goal is to streamline the tax code and enhance the taxpayer experience.
D.O.G.E’s agenda includes auditing the IRS, reviewing its expenditures, and restructuring its workforce to combat “administrative overgrowth.” The proposed relocation of agencies like the IRS aims to reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency.
The aggressive strategy may result in significant job losses, as D.O.G.E plans to assess minimum staffing requirements and implement large-scale firings. Severance packages and early retirement incentives are part of the restructuring plan.
Other federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Securities and Exchange Commission, are also on D.O.G.E’s radar for potential cuts and reforms.
Addressing IRS Challenges
Besides budget cuts, the IRS faces challenges like outdated technology, processing delays, and fraudulent activities. Elon Musk’s critique aligns with concerns about the agency’s inefficiencies and lack of accountability.
Public trust in the IRS has eroded due to controversies like political targeting, fraud cases, and inadequate taxpayer support. Efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency within the agency are crucial for restoring public confidence.
As Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy continue their campaign for government efficiency, the future of federal agencies and taxpayer services remains uncertain.
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