Musk Jokes About Criticism On X As He Expands Government Influence

Elon Musk, the owner of X, wryly commented on the scrutiny he faces on his own platform, stating, “I am endlessly amused by the infinite indignities I suffer on the very platform that I own.” Elon Musk’s remark comes amid mounting criticism over his deepening involvement in US government operations through his cost-cutting initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

I am endlessly amused by the infinite indignities I suffer on the very platform that I own

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 17, 2025

While Musk frames Doge as a move to eliminate waste, critics argue it benefits private companies, including his own. His growing influence in the Trump administration has sparked ethical concerns, with watchdogs warning of conflicts of interest as he oversees federal restructuring while holding lucrative government contracts.

The billionaire’s actions have drawn comparisons to his overhaul of Twitter, now X, where criticism of him has become commonplace.

Musk has been vocal about his views on government inefficiency, recently stating that some agencies should be “deleted entirely.” Under his leadership, Doge has begun downsizing departments such as the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration. Reports also indicate that the Treasury, Department of Defence, and Environmental Protection Agency are among the next targets.

While Musk’s allies frame these cuts as efforts to eliminate waste, observers argue that they could benefit private corporations, including Musk’s own ventures. Companies like Palantir, known for securing lucrative US military contracts, have openly praised Doge’s initiatives. Palantir’s CTO, Shyam Sankar, stated that Doge would bring “meritocracy and transparency” to government, while CEO Alex Karp described the shake-up as a “revolution” with unforeseen consequences.

Other tech executives have also voiced their support, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who suggested integrating blockchain into government expenditures. Defence contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, have expressed optimism about the restructuring, and General Atomics, the maker of Predator drones, has directly appealed to Musk to accelerate Pentagon contracts.

The restructuring effort echoes Musk’s previous ventures in privatising government services. His company SpaceX, once a private contractor for NASA, now handles the majority of US space launches. Critics warn that Doge could lead to a similar dependency, with Musk’s businesses entrenching themselves further into government operations.

Musk’s influence within the Trump administration has also raised ethical concerns. President Trump recently issued an executive order requiring agencies to coordinate with Doge on staffing decisions, further cementing Musk’s role in shaping federal policy. Watchdog groups, including the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (Crew), have criticised the move, warning that Musk’s government contracts and personal interests could create conflicts.

Despite ongoing lawsuits challenging Doge’s transparency, the administration has dismissed concerns. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated last week: “If Elon Musk comes across a conflict of interest, then Elon will excuse himself.” However, experts argue that existing laws may not be sufficient to prevent undue influence in government decision-making.

Musk’s personal life

Amid all this Doge business was happening, Elon Musk was once again making headlines for his personal life after exchanging affectionate emojis with Shivon Zilis, the mother of his twins, amid controversy surrounding conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair’s claims.

Zilis, a Neuralink executive, shared a heartfelt post featuring her twins, Strider and Azure, calling them the “Lil loves of my life.” Musk responded with a heart-faced emoji, and Zilis reciprocated with another heart. This exchange came just hours after St. Clair alleged Musk secretly fathered her child but failed to acknowledge it.

St. Clair, 26, claimed Musk initiated their relationship and left her isolated during pregnancy. Despite the secrecy, she called her baby “the most perfect thing that happened to me.”