A Republican lawmaker has cast doubt on the future of a much-publicized government efficiency initiative backed by tech mogul Elon Musk, calling it a “waste of time” while simultaneously signaling possible cuts to Social Security — a statement that is sure to stir controversy among seniors and economic watchdogs.
Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), speaking candidly during a recent press interview, voiced frustration with the Department of Government Efficiency, widely known as DOGE. The department, spearheaded by Musk under a federal advisory role, was created to streamline bureaucracy and reduce government spending. But Burchett said the effort would ultimately prove ineffective without legislative action.
His remarks come at a critical juncture for DOGE, which has been tasked with implementing sweeping cost-cutting measures across several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (SSA). While the department has slashed budgets, consolidated field offices, and laid off administrative staff, lawmakers like Burchett appear to be losing faith in its ability to make meaningful change without congressional buy-in.
Warning on Social Security
Perhaps more alarming was a concurrent warning from Representative Greg Lopez (R-Colo.), a freshman member of Congress and part of the newly formed DOGE Caucus. Lopez told reporters that reducing the national debt would likely require cuts to entitlement programs, including Social Security and Medicare.
His comment is the clearest signal yet that Republicans may seek to target Social Security as part of broader austerity measures a move that could affect over 66 million beneficiaries who rely on the program for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly retirement benefit in 2025 is around $1,840.
The warning has triggered concern among seniors and policy advocates who worry that cost-cutting efforts both through DOGE and congressional action — could undermine critical social safety nets.
A Controversial Experiment
The DOGE initiative has been a hallmark of the federal government’s recent push toward privatization and efficiency. Originally formed in late 2024, DOGE brought in private-sector thinkers like Musk and other Silicon Valley veterans to apply corporate streamlining tactics to federal agencies.
In a span of just a few months, DOGE shuttered dozens of SSA field offices, reduced call center hours, and implemented AI systems to handle claims processing — moves that have drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle.
A report by Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) raised concerns that Musk’s involvement in DOGE could “break” the Social Security system, citing lower approval rates for disability claims and longer wait times for appeals.
Meanwhile, frontline employees and union leaders have described morale within the SSA as “the worst in decades,” pointing to the loss of institutional knowledge and declining public service quality.
Musk’s Diminishing Role
Despite being the face of the initiative, Musk has begun stepping back from DOGE operations in recent weeks, raising questions about the program’s long-term viability. Sources close to the department say internal disagreements between Musk’s team and federal officials have hampered progress.
A recent Guardian report suggests that cost-cutting decisions made by DOGE have already begun to degrade essential services. Investigations found increased processing errors in tax filings, delays in veterans’ benefits, and a rise in citizen complaints.
Public Response and Political Fallout
Public reaction has been swift. In a town hall hosted in Colorado, seniors expressed fear and confusion over the future of their benefits. One retiree told Business Insider she “doesn’t know how [she’ll] afford medication if they touch Social Security.”
Advocacy groups, such as the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, have called for an immediate halt to DOGE’s involvement in the SSA, arguing that essential programs cannot be subjected to experimental reforms without public oversight.
What Comes Next?
While DOGE remains operational, its future is uncertain. With key Republican voices like Burchett publicly questioning its value, and Musk’s influence apparently waning, the program may soon face congressional review or be scaled back entirely.
As for Social Security, the path forward is equally murky. Despite warnings from budget hawks, Democrats have vowed to protect the program from any proposed cuts. In a statement, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said:
Americans seeking accurate information about their Social Security benefits are encouraged to visit the official SSA website or contact their local Social Security office for updates.
Conclusion
The fate of the DOGE initiative and the future of Social Security are now at a crossroads. What began as a bold attempt to modernize government operations under the leadership of Elon Musk is now facing bipartisan scrutiny and public concern. While Republican lawmakers debate the next steps, millions of Americans are left wondering whether the programs they depend on will survive the drive for efficiency and budget cuts.