West Wing Video Games, Ice Cream Raids: Musk’s 100 Days of DOGE

The first 100 days of Elon Musk’s tenure as the de facto leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump’s hypothetical second administration have been marked by disruption, controversy, and surrealism. This period has redefined the boundaries of public-private sector collaboration, blending Musk’s tech entrepreneur ethos with the weight of federal governance. At its core, DOGE’s mission—to slash $1 trillion in federal spending—has been as much about symbolism as substance, with Musk’s West Wing office, video game breaks, and midnight ice cream raids becoming emblems of its chaotic legacy.

The DOGE Playbook: Efficiency or Eccentricity?

DOGE’s mandate to root out “waste, fraud, and abuse” in federal agencies has led to aggressive cuts: over 100,000 federal workers have been fired or accepted buyouts, while programs like climate research and foreign aid have been axed. Musk’s team, dubbed the “DOGE Goon Squad,” has operated with a startup’s urgency, embedding engineers into agencies to streamline processes—or, critics argue, dismantle bureaucratic safeguards.

Yet results remain murky. DOGE claims $160 billion in savings, but independent audits by outlets like NPR found only $63 billion in verified cuts. The discrepancy stems from inflated metrics, such as counting canceled contracts that were never awarded. Meanwhile, lawsuits over unauthorized access to sensitive data—Social Security records, IRS files—have exposed legal overreach. A federal judge recently blocked DOGE’s Treasury Department access, calling it “tantamount to hitting a fly with a sledgehammer.”

The West Wing Arcade and the Ice Cream Economy

Musk’s personal brand has been central to DOGE’s identity. His “comically tiny” West Wing office, equipped with a gaming monitor for Diablo and Path of Exile, symbolizes his fusion of tech-world informality with executive authority. This setup, arranged by political advisor Chris Young, reflects Musk’s belief that efficiency requires “direct access” to tools—digital and otherwise.

His late-night ice cream raids, however, reveal a darker undercurrent. Musk reportedly consumed entire tubs of caramel Häagen-Dazs while drafting policy memos, joking, “Don’t tell RFK” (a nod to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.). While amusing, these anecdotes underscore a leadership style prioritizing impulsivity over institutional stability.

The Risks to Investors: Regulatory Whiplash and Market Uncertainty

DOGE’s actions have profound implications for markets. Federal budget cuts threaten sectors like defense (via reduced spending on hypersonic missiles) and clean energy (after axing climate grants). Meanwhile, Musk’s conflicts of interest—such as SpaceX securing a $6 billion Space Force contract—raise ethical red flags.

Investors in Tesla and Dogecoin face dual risks. Tesla’s stock has dropped 41% since Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, conflicting with Musk’s advocacy for free trade. Dogecoin, though initially buoyed by DOGE’s name, has lost 30% of its value since 2024, underscoring the disconnect between Musk’s crypto advocacy and the administration’s fiscal austerity.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Disruption, but at What Cost?

Musk’s 100 days with DOGE have left an indelible mark on governance and markets. While his tech-driven reforms may have trimmed some inefficiencies, the collateral damage—legal battles, workforce chaos, and regulatory unpredictability—far outweigh the benefits.

Key data points reinforce this assessment:
- DOGE’s savings claims are inflated by 60%, per third-party audits.
- Tesla’s stock decline (41%) mirrors investor skepticism about Musk’s dual roles.
- Dogecoin’s 30% drop highlights the market’s skepticism toward meme-inspired policy.

For investors, DOGE’s era serves as a cautionary tale. Musk’s vision—where video games and ice cream fuel policy—may capture headlines, but it risks destabilizing the very markets he aims to reshape. The lesson? In an era of “absurdist governance,” bet on stability, not spectacle.

This article reflects hypothetical scenarios and data extrapolated from provided research. Always consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.