Elon, DOGE, and the ‘Salute’

By Greg Collier

Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration, particularly through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raises significant concerns about the trajectory of U.S. governance. While his reputation as an innovator in technology and space exploration once inspired many, his recent actions and initiatives suggest a troubling shift in priorities and awareness.

DOGE, ostensibly a body meant to streamline government operations, has been plagued with controversy from the start. The organization’s very name, derived from a cryptocurrency meme, trivializes its stated mission of reducing federal spending and restructuring government agencies. Instead of instilling confidence in its ability to tackle critical issues, the name alone underscores a lack of seriousness in addressing the complexities of governance. Naming such an initiative after a joke currency sets a tone that is at odds with the weighty decisions it purports to influence, decisions that could impact millions of federal employees and the services they provide.

Moreover, DOGE’s operations have sparked immediate legal challenges that further erode its credibility. Lawsuits citing violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) highlight a troubling lack of transparency, balance, and inclusivity in the group’s composition. DOGE’s apparent exclusion of federal employees, unions, and experts with firsthand knowledge of government operations exemplifies its disregard for diverse perspectives, a cornerstone of democratic policymaking. This unbalanced approach threatens to produce recommendations that are disconnected from reality, potentially destabilizing essential government functions and the lives of the people who depend on them.

Beyond the controversy surrounding DOGE, Musk’s fixation on Mars colonization as part of a broader national agenda is equally concerning. While the dream of interplanetary settlement captivates imaginations, the reality is far more daunting and perilous. Colonizing Mars involves not only astronomical costs, but also profound ethical and environmental challenges. Resources spent on such endeavors could be better allocated to pressing issues on Earth, from combating climate change to addressing systemic inequality. Pushing for such an ambitious and risky project as part of a ‘manifest destiny’ narrative diverts attention from solvable problems while jeopardizing the safety of those who might participate in such ventures.

Adding to these concerns, Musk’s public gestures and rhetoric continue to alienate and polarize. His now-infamous salute has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics likening it to a fascist gesture. You know the one. Even if unintentional, Musk’s decision to use a stiff, extended-arm gesture in a politically charged environment displays an alarming lack of awareness. As one of the most prominent figures in the world, Musk must understand the weight of his actions and how they can be interpreted. His refusal to directly address the controversy only amplifies the harm, providing extremists with opportunities to celebrate and weaponize his actions.

Elon Musk’s involvement in politics and governance represents a confluence of arrogance, ignorance, and misplaced priorities. From the unserious branding of DOGE to the lawsuits challenging its legality, from the folly of Mars colonization to the inflammatory optics of his public gestures, Musk’s actions are increasingly detrimental to the country. As he continues to consolidate influence, the stakes grow higher for the integrity of American democracy and the well-being of its citizens. Leadership demands responsibility, and Musk has shown little evidence that he grasps the gravity of his role.