What Is DOGE’s Real Goal?

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency is great branding. Who could be against a more efficient government? But “efficiency” obfuscates what’s really happening here. Efficiency to what end? Elon Musk, President Trump and DOGE’s boosters have offered various objectives — cutting the deficit, eliminating fraud and abuse, creating a leaner and more responsive government. But DOGE’s actions in the past two months don’t seem to align with any of those goals. Santi Ruiz is the senior editor at the Institute for Progress and the author and host of the “ Statecraft ” podcast and newsletter. He’s to my right politically and had higher hopes, at first, about DOGE’s efforts, but he’s now grappling with the reality of what it’s actually doing. This episode contains strong language. Mentioned: “ 50 Thoughts on DOGE ” by Santí Ruiz “ How to Defend Presidential Authority ” by Santí Ruiz “ The Anti-D.E.I. Crusader Who Wants to Dismantle the Department of Education ” by Ross Douthat Book Recommendations: Stalin’s War by Sean McMeekin Back from the Brink by Peter Moskos Power And Responsibility by Romano Guardini Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com. You can…