Musk with 210 Million Followers: "Government Agencies Targeted by Ultimate Weapon 'X'"

Elon Musk's strategic use of X (formerly Twitter) to promote government efficiency reforms and attack critics / AFP

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and head of the U.S. "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), has been leveraging his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) as a major tool for promoting the Trump administration's government reform policies. According to The New York Times, Musk’s X account has effectively become the primary channel for advocating government efficiency reforms while also serving as a stage for political attacks and criticism.

With over 210 million followers, Musk uses his personal X account to not only disseminate information about government reform but also to launch direct attacks on U.S. government agencies. One of the main focuses of his online activity has been targeting critics of government efficiency initiatives, which aim to streamline government operations and reduce wasteful spending.

Musk’s outspoken critiques of the U.S. government’s international aid efforts are among the most notable examples. He has referred to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a "vicious and criminal organization" and has repeatedly criticized its operations. As head of DOGE, Musk has advocated for closing down USAID, reflecting his broader goal of reducing government expenditures.

Additionally, Musk has been vocal about his opposition to key officials in the U.S. Treasury Department. He has accused them of repeatedly violating the law, further fueling his anti-government stance. Musk's X account has become a platform for sharing his perspective on these issues, allowing his followers to engage with and support his critiques.

On February 3, Musk posted a controversial comment, calling for the U.S. Treasury Department to be held accountable for its actions, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the current administration's financial policies. He even suggested that a more aggressive approach, such as using DOGE to audit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), would be an appropriate measure.

In addition to his attacks on government agencies, Musk has stirred controversy by encouraging his followers to take action against digital surveillance projects. For example, when concerns were raised about the racial bias of facial recognition technology developed by the federal digital service agency "18F," Musk responded by deleting the agency's X account. His supporters had expressed concerns over the agency’s involvement in research that they felt could lead to discriminatory practices in law enforcement.

Musk's use of X for political engagement has not been without criticism. Experts, such as Sarah Krebs from Cornell University's Brooks Technology Policy Institute, argue that Musk’s behavior is an example of populist politics, with his online actions designed to create visible changes that resonate with his supporters. Krebs notes that these kinds of visible moves are vital to Musk’s base, as they seek tangible demonstrations of political reform.

As head of DOGE, Musk has proposed sweeping reforms across various government sectors, including cutting funding for numerous agencies. His administration is pushing for a fundamental restructuring of at least six government departments as part of an effort to reduce government spending and improve efficiency.

Musk's influence on social media, especially through X, has cemented his role as a key figure in shaping the political discourse surrounding government efficiency, government accountability, and fiscal responsibility. His approach continues to draw significant attention and controversy, solidifying his reputation as a businessman with a bold, unconventional stance on public policy.