Elon Musk Says IRS To Be Audited With DOGE Commission

In a plot twist nobody saw coming but everyone supports, Elon Musk has announced that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will undergo an audit by the newly formed Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This declaration marks a significant step in the incoming administration's strategy to drastically cut federal spending, a core promise of Donald Trump's campaign for his second non-consecutive term as President.

Musk, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, has been appointed to lead DOGE, a commission designed to streamline government operations and reduce fiscal waste, whose name is inspired by the crypto meme coin Dogecoin. The billionaire's confirmation through a simple "gonna happen" post on X underscores his commitment to this project, highlighting the seriousness with which he views the task at hand. His involvement isn't just symbolic; it's a testament to the administration's intent to leverage influential figures to enact significant policy changes.

Musk's Vision for Government Efficiency

The background to this initiative is set against Trump's historic win in the 2024 presidential election, where he campaigned heavily on the theme of addressing America's overspending. This isn't just about trimming the fat; it's about a wholesale reevaluation of how government functions. Musk's role in DOGE signifies a shift towards employing business acumen and technology to solve what has been seen as bureaucratic inefficiency.

The audit of the IRS by DOGE is particularly poignant given the agency's role in collecting taxes, which fund nearly all government activities. The idea here is not just to audit but to reform, potentially changing how the IRS operates, collects, and manages taxpayer money. This move could be the beginning of a broader overhaul of how federal agencies manage their budgets and resources, aiming for transparency and accountability.

What's truly fascinating are the people the IRS has set its sights on over the years. There's a delicious irony in the IRS itself now facing an audit, and it's a twist that everyone can relish. Take, for example, the case of Roger Ver, famously known as Bitcoin Jesus, who's currently in the crosshairs of the IRS for alleged tax fraud—an accusation he staunchly denies. While this audit won't undo these injustices, it certainly gives a sense of poetic justice.

Musk's approach seems to be one of sweeping reform, not mere adjustments. His vision, as shared in various public statements and social media posts, involves using innovative thinking and perhaps even technology to make government operations leaner and more effective. The audit is expected to delve into the IRS's practices, potentially exposing inefficiencies that could lead to more significant savings across federal spending.

The focus isn't solely on the IRS. Ramaswamy has been vocal about extending the scrutiny to other significant departments like the Defense Department, which he claims has a budget so vast that its allocation is often untraceable. The critique is not without merit; the defense budget has long been a point of contention in fiscal debates, with calls for more clarity on where funds are directed.

Moreover, the Department of Education has been marked for review, aligning with Trump's previous attempts to significantly alter or even dismantle the agency. The overarching goal here seems to be to identify and eliminate what both Musk and Ramaswamy see as bloat in government spending. Their strategy includes "mass reductions" and, in some cases, outright deletion of certain agencies, as Ramaswamy has suggested.

This approach to governance, driven by figures known for their success in the private sector, could herald a new era in how government efficiency is perceived and pursued. However, it also raises questions about the potential impacts on services and employment within these scrutinized agencies. The balance between cutting costs and maintaining essential services will be a critical aspect to watch as these plans unfold.