Musk proposes AI-driven cuts to federal workforce

Elon Musk has publicly criticized the U.S. government as inefficient and argued at the Milken Institute Global Conference that artificial intelligence should replace many public-sector functions to streamline operations and reduce costs. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration, Musk has promoted deep budget cuts, agency shutdowns, and the use of AI-driven automation, suggesting this could save the federal government up to $1 trillion. Critics and watchdogs remain skeptical of both the savings estimates and the transparency of Musk's approach, noting potential conflicts of interest and the use of nonstandard communication methods. Federal employees have faced new AI-based performance evaluations, leading to concerns about oversimplified assessments and a climate of surveillance. While proponents argue AI could make public services faster and cheaper, others question whether government functions, which often serve broader public interests beyond profit or efficiency, should be run like a business. The proposal has sparked significant debate about the practicality and ethics of automating large portions of the public workforce.