In a recent discussion with former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk proposed establishing a government efficiency commission aimed at ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively. Trump endorsed the idea and welcomed Musk’s involvement.
Musk’s background in private space exploration, electric vehicles, and satellite internet could bring innovative approaches to government reform. For such a commission, several key priorities should be considered.
Musk’s Vision for Government Efficiency Gains Traction with Trump’s Backing
First, combating government fraud is crucial. The federal government loses between $233 billion to $521 billion annually to fraud, translating to up to $4,000 per household. While efforts are underway to enhance fraud prevention with technology and data analytics, the government lags behind the private sector in modernizing financial controls.
Second, addressing federal misspending is vital. Last year alone, improper payments amounted to $236 billion, with $175 billion in overpayments. Over the past two decades, nearly $3 trillion has been misspent.
Additionally, a government efficiency commission should tackle recommended good-government reforms. The Government Accountability Office has over 5,200 open recommendations that could save between $106 billion and $208 billion if implemented. Similarly, federal agency inspectors general have over 14,000 open recommendations that could yield efficiencies.
A fourth focus could be modernizing IT and cybersecurity. With over $100 billion spent annually on these areas, federal technology projects often face delays and cost overruns. Improving cybersecurity remains a critical need.
Finally, the commission could explore regulatory reform and AI integration. Streamlining regulations and using AI to review and update policies could save resources. An AI-driven review of federal regulations might reduce inefficiencies and outdated practices.
The commission could also advise the White House on how to encourage Congress to streamline government operations, including addressing “zombie programs” that receive funding despite having expired authorizations. A focus on these areas could highlight opportunities for saving billions and prompt necessary reforms, regardless of who wins the upcoming presidential election.
