Steve Davis Keeps Musk’s Influence Alive at DOGE Amid White House Tensions
- How Is Steve Davis Sustaining Musk’s DOGE Agenda?
- Why Is DOGE’s $190B Savings Claim Under Scrutiny?
- Trump vs. Musk: A Feud With Federal Consequences
- What’s Next for DOGE and Musk’s Political Ambitions?
- Q&A: Unpacking the DOGE-Musk-Trump Triangle
The political drama between Elon Musk’s loyalists and the WHITE House has reached a boiling point, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) caught in the crossfire. Steve Davis, Musk’s longtime ally, continues to wield informal influence over DOGE despite his May departure, fueling speculation about a potential "DOGE 2.0" focused on modernizing federal IT infrastructure. Meanwhile, Trump’s public clashes with Musk over spending and taxes reveal deeper fractures, as Musk flirts with launching a new political party. Financial watchdogs question DOGE’s claimed $190B in savings, and internal strife plagues the agency. ---
How Is Steve Davis Sustaining Musk’s DOGE Agenda?
Steve Davis, Elon Musk’s former right-hand man at DOGE, remains a shadow power broker despite lacking an official role. Sources describe him as "tight" with DOGE staff, communicating via encrypted apps like Signal. His behind-the-scenes maneuvering includes:
- Loyalty Tests : Reports suggest Davis and Musk allies pressured employees to choose sides between Trump and Musk during internal meetings.
- DOGE 2.0 Blueprint : Davis advocates for a rebooted agency focused on IT modernization, diverging from Trump’s austerity-driven model.
- White House Pushback : Officials are reportedly sidelining DOGE’s role, citing unmet cost-saving promises.
- Crypto Ties : Davis’s influence intersects with Musk’s crypto interests, including SpaceX’s Starlink trials with FAA (per CoinGlass data).
- Staff Morale : A June 10 meeting with Davis and advisor Katie Miller aimed to reassure DOGE employees amid turmoil.
*This article does not constitute investment advice.*
Why Is DOGE’s $190B Savings Claim Under Scrutiny?
DOGE’s website touts $190B in budget cuts, but economists across the spectrum are skeptical. Key discrepancies include:
- Unverified Metrics : No independent audit confirms the savings (TradingView reports note methodological gaps).
- Trump’s Critique : The former president mocked DOGE as a "monster that might eat Elon" on Truth Social.
- Musk’s Jab : On July 6, Musk tweeted, “What was DOGE’s point if [Trump] added $5T to debt?”
- White House Defense : Spokesperson Harrison Fields countered, citing “unprecedented efficiency gains.”
- Crypto Angle : DOGE’s branding overlaps with Musk’s Dogecoin endorsements, muddying perceptions.
Trump vs. Musk: A Feud With Federal Consequences
The rift escalated when Musk criticized Trump’s tax policies after the latter signed a spending bill. Highlights:
- Truth Social War : Trump’s July 6 post hinted at investigating Musk, quipping, “We might need to put Elon on Elon.”
- America Party Rumors : Musk’s July 4 praise for Rep. Thomas Massie fueled speculation about a new political movement.
- DOGE’s Origins : Initially a Trump pet project, it’s now a political liability amid bipartisan doubts.
- Staff Exodus : Reports describe DOGE as “exhausted” by infighting, per *Wall Street Journal* leaks.
- BTCC Analyst Note : “Musk’s leverage hinges on crypto-friendly policies,” observes one BTCC market strategist.
What’s Next for DOGE and Musk’s Political Ambitions?
Behind closed doors, Davis and advisor Susie Wiles pitched a Doge overhaul to White House Chief of Staff in late June. Their vision:
- Tech Upgrades : Revamping federal websites (e.g., National Park portals).
- Crypto Integration : Leveraging blockchain for transparency (Source: DepositPhotos).
- Musk’s Endgame : Protecting SpaceX/Tesla contracts while distancing from Trump.
- Media Blackout : The *WSJ* reports were scrubbed from DOGE’s press briefings.
- Historical Context : DOGE’s 2024 mandate clashes with 2025 fiscal realities.
Q&A: Unpacking the DOGE-Musk-Trump Triangle
How did Steve Davis become Musk’s DOGE proxy?
Davis’s decade-long collaboration with Musk at SpaceX and Tesla granted him insider credibility. His post-resignation access suggests ongoing coordination.
Is DOGE 2.0 a real proposal or a bargaining chip?
Both. Davis’s IT modernization pitch appeals to reformers, but Musk may use it as leverage in federal contract negotiations.
Why does Trump target Musk over DOGE?
Personal rivalry + policy splits. Musk’s public critiques undermine Trump’s fiscal narrative, while DOGE’s failures reflect poorly on both.
