The image-boosting effort suggests the Tesla CEO is aware of the boogeyman persona he has created for himself and his cost-cutting push since joining President Trump’s team.
Musk went on Fox News on Thursday night to claim he is being careful and compassionate with his overhaul of the federal government, amid mounting criticism over his past statements on social media and emails to federal workers.
He also introduced several members of the DOGE team in an attempt to quell some of the concerns around the mysterious nature of their work.
The tech billionaire is “on a rehab tour,” argued former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), who noted even Republicans have criticized his government overhaul work, sometimes behind closed-doors.
“The White House has been watching the news media’s coverage of the DOGE effort, which has been mostly negative,” Curbelo said. “Additionally, a significant number of Congressional Republicans have complained both publicly and privately.”
Musk was joined by seven other members of the DOGE team for the interview with Fox News’ Brett Baier, where they made the case for their push to slash $1 trillion in government spending.
The group, which featured fellow billionaires and business leaders, argued that DOGE is taking a “careful” approach to government cuts and is focused on “treating everyone with dignity and respect.”
Musk’s tone was a significant shift from months of criticizing and even vilifying the federal workforce as he laid the groundwork DOGE’s transformation of Washington.
Check out the full report on TheHill.com this weekend.
