Elon Musk’s Government Efficiency Team Sparks Debate Over Role in Transportation Upgrades

A recent exchange on social media has drawn attention to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) efforts under Elon Musk’s leadership to modernize parts of the U.S. government, particularly in the area of transportation.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed questions raised online about DOGE’s involvement in upgrading aviation systems. The department brought in Musk’s team as part of a broader initiative to identify inefficiencies and apply technology-driven solutions to key infrastructure challenges. The move comes in response to recent aviation safety concerns, including incidents involving commercial aircraft and broader issues with outdated systems.

Critics questioned whether DOGE personnel have the experience needed to handle aviation safety upgrades. Concerns were raised about the age and qualifications of many DOGE employees, some of whom are young technologists recruited from the private sector.

In a statement addressing the concerns, Duffy emphasized that innovation often requires fresh thinking and that leveraging the expertise of younger professionals is part of a deliberate strategy to challenge conventional bureaucratic approaches.

“The systems we’re dealing with are decades old,” Duffy said. “We believe that new thinking, paired with technical expertise, can help us identify long-standing issues and create smarter, safer systems.”

Duffy also noted that DOGE has been analyzing operations across various government departments, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in an effort to reduce waste and improve effectiveness. The initiative is part of a broader efficiency audit launched earlier this year.

In recent months, the Department of Transportation has faced a series of challenges, including several high-profile rail and aviation incidents. These have prompted renewed focus on safety, transparency, and accountability within federal transportation agencies.

In response to questions during his Senate confirmation hearing, Duffy stated that one of his top priorities is ensuring air travel safety and restoring public trust in aviation, especially in relation to aircraft manufacturers like Boeing. Boeing has experienced several technical issues over the past year, including mechanical problems on commercial aircraft and delays in its space program.

“I will work closely with the FAA and industry partners to make sure safety is not only restored but continuously improved,” Duffy told the committee. “This includes oversight of aircraft certification and addressing public concerns about reliability.”

He added that one of his responsibilities would be to support the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as it investigates the safety of advanced driving systems, such as those used in Tesla vehicles. Tesla, also led by Elon Musk, has been under scrutiny for how its autonomous driving features are tested and deployed.

“Yes, I will allow NHTSA to continue its investigation without interference,” Duffy confirmed. “The public’s trust in vehicle safety depends on transparency and thorough research.”

Beyond aviation and automotive concerns, Duffy said that the department’s collaboration with DOGE aims to evaluate infrastructure spending across all transportation sectors. By using advanced data analysis and real-time tracking systems, the department hopes to better allocate resources and prevent costly errors or delays.

Supporters of the DOGE initiative argue that the partnership between government agencies and outside experts offers an opportunity to break out of entrenched systems and promote innovation in areas that have historically been slow to modernize.

Critics, however, caution that modernization must be balanced with caution, especially when dealing with public safety. They argue that while technology can improve operations, oversight and experience remain essential.

A former official with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also weighed in, suggesting that collaboration between multiple stakeholders—including industry experts, regulators, and external consultants—can be effective if properly coordinated.

“Bringing in outside perspectives can be helpful,” the official said. “But it’s important that those perspectives are guided by the realities of the public systems they’re trying to improve.”

The broader discussion around DOGE’s involvement in federal efficiency efforts is likely to continue, especially as high-profile projects in aviation and transportation move forward.

Duffy concluded that he welcomes the dialogue and is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the modernization process.

“Our goal is simple: to build a safer, smarter transportation system for all Americans,” he said. “We may not always agree on how to get there, but innovation, accountability, and safety will always be at the heart of everything we do.”