Steve Davis Keeps Musk’s Influence Alive in DOGE Amid White House Tensions

• How Steve Davis Bridges Musk and DOGE After His Exit
• Why DOGE Has Become a Political Lightning Rod
• What "DOGE 2.0" Could Mean for Federal Efficiency
• When Personal Feuds Overshadow Policy
• Frequently Asked Questions

The political tug-of-war between the White House and Elon Musk’s loyalists has escalated, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) caught in the crossfire. Steve Davis, Musk’s former associate, remains a key figure maintaining Musk’s influence within DOGE despite no longer holding a formal position. Meanwhile, TRUMP and Musk clash over fiscal policy, with DOGE’s future hanging in the balance. This article delves into the internal conflicts, proposed reforms like "DOGE 2.0," and the broader implications for federal efficiency efforts.

How Steve Davis Bridges Musk and DOGE After His Exit

Steve Davis, Elon Musk’s longtime associate, has become the linchpin keeping Musk’s influence alive within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after both men departed the agency earlier this year. Though Davis officially left DOGE in May, insiders reveal he maintains close ties with staff through encrypted Signal calls and private meetings. This behind-the-scenes access has allowed Musk’s faction to push for reforms, including a rumored "DOGE 2.0" initiative focused on modernizing federal IT infrastructure rather than the agency’s original cost-cutting mandate. Critics within the WHITE House, however, argue Musk is merely protecting his business interests—evidenced by his past efforts to place SpaceX, Tesla, and X employees in federal roles. The FAA, for instance, confirmed testing Starlink connectivity in several states under Musk-era policies.

Why DOGE Has Become a Political Lightning Rod

Originally a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term efficiency agenda, DOGE has devolved into a political headache for the administration. The agency claims $190 billion in savings through budget reductions (per its website), but economists across the spectrum question the figure’s validity. Tensions boiled over when Musk publicly criticized Trump’s recent tax-and-spending bill, prompting the former president to lash out on Truth Social: "Doge is the monster that might have to come back and eat Elon." Meanwhile, DOGE employees face surreal "loyalty tests" in internal meetings, forced to choose sides between Trump and Musk—a dynamic exacerbating morale issues in an already strained agency.

What "DOGE 2.0" Could Mean for Federal Efficiency

Musk allies are quietly drafting plans to reinvent the agency, shifting focus from staffing cuts to tech-driven solutions. Proposals include revamping public-facing portals like the National Parks Service website—a pet project Davis and advisor Katie Miller pitched to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in late June. The vision aligns with Musk’s July 4th weekend tweets praising fiscal hawks and lamenting deficit spending: "What was the point of Doge if [Trump] just increased debt by $5 trillion?" Yet skeptics note Musk’s companies continue benefiting from federal contracts, blurring the line between reform advocacy and self-interest.

When Personal Feuds Overshadow Policy

The Musk-Trump feud reached new heights when the billionaire endorsed forming a "Party of America" while amplifying attacks on Trump’s policies. This parallels internal DOGE turmoil, where Davis and Miller held a June 10 "pep talk" with staff to reassure them of Musk’s support. The White House, meanwhile, distances itself from DOGE’s operations, with spokesperson Harrison Fields defending Trump’s record: "No president has delivered more on eliminating waste." As 2025 unfolds, the agency’s fate hinges on whether it can transition from political football to functional watchdog—with or without Musk’s shadow influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Steve Davis connected to Elon Musk?

Steve Davis is a longtime associate of Elon Musk, having worked closely with him on multiple ventures. Despite leaving DOGE in May 2025, Davis continues to communicate with agency staff, effectively serving as Musk’s unofficial liaison.

What is DOGE 2.0?

DOGE 2.0 refers to a proposed overhaul of the Department of Government Efficiency, shifting its focus from workforce reductions to modernizing federal IT systems and improving digital services for citizens.

Why is Trump criticizing Musk?

Tensions escalated after Musk publicly opposed Trump’s fiscal policies, including a $5 trillion debt increase. Trump responded by threatening to "unleash DOGE" against Musk in a Truth Social post.

How much has DOGE saved according to its records?

DOGE’s website claims $190 billion in savings through budget cuts, though independent economists question the methodology behind these figures.

What role does BTCC play in this story?

BTCC, as a leading cryptocurrency exchange, provides market data referenced in analyses of Musk’s influence on federal tech policy. This article does not constitute investment advice.