WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a political era defined by spending showdowns and rising public debt, a new headline has caught the internet’s attention: DOGE—the Department of Government Efficiency—has just eliminated 120 questionable contracts worth over $3.1 billion, including a $4.05 million “technical services” agreement in Mozambique.
And one familiar face isn’t hiding his excitement.
In a now-viral image, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, is seen grinning ear to ear, giving a signature thumbs-up. The timing of the photo aligns with the announcement of the budget cut, fueling speculation that Musk, a longtime critic of wasteful government spending, may have had more than a passing interest in the news.
Whether meant as direct support or symbolic approval, the image speaks volumes—and it’s resonating with Americans frustrated by what many view as runaway spending and bloated bureaucracy.
A New Movement in Washington?
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), newly empowered by recent bipartisan reform legislation, is rapidly making headlines for its aggressive audit of outdated, ineffective, or redundant federal contracts.
The most controversial among the 120 canceled contracts? A multi-million dollar project labeled as “technical advisory services” in Mozambique—a program with vague deliverables, murky oversight, and limited transparency.
While supporters argue such programs contribute to global diplomacy and development, critics view them as symbolic of everything wrong with Washington’s spending habits.
“Why are American taxpayers footing the bill for ambiguous projects halfway across the globe when we have crumbling infrastructure and rising healthcare costs at home?” said Senator Laura Mitchell (R-TX), a vocal proponent of the cuts. “DOGE is doing what Congress has failed to do for years: clean house.”
Elon Musk: From Tech Titan to Anti-Waste Icon?
Elon Musk has long had a complicated relationship with government institutions. While SpaceX and Tesla have both benefited from federal subsidies, Musk has also repeatedly criticized the inefficiencies of bureaucratic red tape and reckless spending.
In 2021, he famously tweeted: “Government is the ultimate corporation with no accountability.”
Musk has also questioned the logic behind foreign aid programs that seem disconnected from outcomes. “We need more engineers, not more consultants writing 100-page reports that go nowhere,” he said during a podcast interview in early 2023.
The image of him giving a thumbs-up, now circulating on social media with the caption “DOGE just eliminated $3.1 BILLION in waste,” is being interpreted as a clear endorsement of fiscal restraint—and a jab at what Musk has often called “the swamp.”
Democrats Push Back
Not everyone is celebrating. Prominent Democratic lawmakers have expressed frustration, arguing that some of the canceled contracts played a key role in diplomatic relations, development aid, and long-term strategic interests.
Senator Maria Gomez (D-NY) responded sharply: “Cutting budgets with a machete instead of a scalpel is dangerous. Some of these projects had humanitarian components that are now being stripped away in the name of ‘efficiency.’ It’s shortsighted and risks America’s global credibility.”
Others see the move as politically motivated. “This isn’t about saving money,” said Rep. Calvin Richards (D-CA). “It’s about scoring points with the anti-government base and tech billionaires.”
Despite the pushback, the Biden administration has remained largely neutral, neither endorsing nor condemning DOGE’s actions publicly—though internal reports suggest unease within the State Department regarding the Mozambique contract cancellation.
Public Sentiment Shifting
Public opinion appears to be tilting in favor of the cuts. A recent flash poll by NewsNet shows that 67% of respondents support the move to eliminate the contracts, especially in light of growing concerns over inflation, national debt, and a potential recession.
Among younger voters and independent thinkers, Musk’s influence remains strong. Memes and posts showing him smiling beside headlines about budget cuts are trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram.
“He’s basically the face of common sense right now,” said Morgan Li, a 24-year-old coder from Seattle. “Whether you love him or not, Elon stands for doing things faster, smarter, cheaper. It’s refreshing.”
What’s Next for DOGE?
This $3.1 billion slash is just the beginning. DOGE officials have stated they are currently auditing an additional 400 contracts totaling more than $10 billion.
Targets reportedly include outdated defense programs, duplicated research grants, and foreign projects with no measurable impact.
“We’re not here to play politics,” said DOGE director Olivia Martinez in a recent press briefing. “We’re here to protect taxpayer dollars. That’s it.”
A Defining Moment?
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the battle over federal spending is far from over, and figures like Elon Musk are increasingly shaping the conversation—not just in tech, but in governance.
Whether you see the DOGE budget cut as a necessary step toward fiscal sanity or a reckless political stunt, its impact is already being felt across Washington and beyond. And with a thumbs-up from one of the world’s most influential voices, the message is clear:
Accountability is trending.
