Elon Musk made headlines on Thursday when he suggested the U.S. federal government should consider “deleting entire agencies” to realign and reduce spending during a video address at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. His remarks aimed to encapsulate what he views as the priorities of the Trump administration while highlighting concerns about potential threats posed by artificial intelligence and global nuclear arms. Musk’s comments were marked by his characteristic humor and casual attire, wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with “Tech Support,” a nod to his self-identification as the “White House’s tech support” in relation to his ownership of the platform X.
Musk emphasized the need to dismantle certain government agencies rather than merely reform them, suggesting that without uprooting the “weed” of bureaucracy, regrowth would be inevitable. His suggestions come against the backdrop of his expanding influence over government operations and his recent leadership role in the Department of Government Efficiency, a position that has allowed him to sideline established officials and access sensitive information, sparking discussions about the boundaries of presidential powers.
Musk’s comments also reflected a more isolationist stance on U.S. involvement in the Middle East. He critiqued programs like USAID and questioned the impact of initiatives like the National Endowment for Democracy, expressing skepticism regarding their success and the real strides taken toward democracy under their watch. He conveyed an outlook that the U.S. ought to limit its interference in foreign governments, suggesting that America should focus more on domestic matters rather than pursuing regime change globally.
In addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Musk raised concerns about the potential implications of AI frameworks that prioritize these values. He speculated on a hypothetical scenario where AI, designed to support diversity, may lead to extreme actions against those in positions of power, highlighting his anxieties about AI governance. Speaking of artificial intelligence more generally, Musk announced that he believes an updated version of his AI chatbot, Grok 3, will be available soon, yet he admitted to finding it somewhat alarming.
Musk further criticized the management of OpenAI under Sam Altman, comparing the organization’s current trajectory to a nonprofit aiming to protect the Amazon turning into a lumber company. A recent court filing indicated that Musk would retract his substantial takeover bid for OpenAI if it opts to become a for-profit entity.
In addition to his political and tech discussions, Musk shared exciting updates regarding a new project called the “Dubai Loop,” related to his endeavors with the Boring Company, where he is currently working on tunnel constructions in Las Vegas to enhance transportation efficiency. During the summit, Dubai’s crown prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, revealed plans to collaborate with the Boring Company to develop a 17-kilometer (10.5-mile) underground transport network that could facilitate over 20,000 passenger movements per hour. Musk described this innovative transit system with enthusiasm, likening it to a “wormhole” that would allow instantaneous travel across the city.
