I have never met Elon Musk and may not ever meet him. But if I did, I would reaffirm the unprecedented opportunity the Department of Government Efficiency has to make America great.

I would also warn him that, on its current trajectory, it will fail.

How do I know? Over the years I have worked with and advised a number of secretaries of Defense and our most senior military officers here and abroad on these and other matters.

Why is DOGE headed for failure? First, the optic of Musk’s chainsaw image and the glee with which he’s firing people will generate fierce resentment and anger among the many who will be jobless and the public who will come to despise his arrogance. This will greatly damage the president’s standing.

Second, ridiculing and defaming the government as rife with fraud, abuse, waste and incompetence destroys any incentive for the public to serve in such an organization. No one is interested in joining a failed enterprise even if Musk "fixes" it. I’d tell him he’s eviscerating morale.

Third, the most valuable resource is people; those serving in the government and working in........

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