Elon Musk’s tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has concluded after roughly four months, marking an end to his controversial leadership at the cost-cutting agency. Musk’s ambitious goal was to reduce the federal deficit by $2 trillion, but DOGE reportedly managed only around $160 billion in cuts. This amount is minimal compared to the government’s annual spending of nearly $7 trillion.
Musk, before taking office, expressed a desire for strong leadership reminiscent of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, an ancient Roman dictator known for unilateral government reforms. However, Musk’s time at DOGE drew comparisons not to Sulla but to Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus, a Roman leader overshadowed by Julius Caesar.
During his tenure, Musk faced challenges similar to those encountered by Bibulus. Despite intentions to address government spending and waste, without congressional support, substantial reform proved unattainable. The government’s spending increased by $200 billion more than the previous year during this period.
The historical parallel with Bibulus is drawn from his experience as one of two consuls leading Rome in 59 BC alongside Caesar. Their conflicting agendas led Bibulus to withdraw from public life and attempt to counter Caesar through omens and proclamations—a strategy that ultimately failed against Caesar’s popular agenda.
Musk’s efforts were well-intentioned but insufficient against entrenched governmental structures. The need for meaningful spending reform remains unaddressed without legislative backing.
In reflection on historical events, Shakespeare depicted Julius Caesar’s assassination with the phrase “Et tu, Brute?” Though not historically accurate according to Suetonius—who noted Caesar’s actual last words were different—the sentiment echoes today with DOGE’s unmet expectations: “Et tu, DOGE and Elon Musk?”
