Billionaire Elon Musk’s decision to scale back his involvement with America’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) marks a pivotal moment in the ever-blurring line between corporate ambition and political power. While his stated withdrawal may seem timely given his car company’s staggering 71 per cent plunge in profits and mounting global backlash, it raises deeper concerns about the nature of his role in government, the accountability of such arrangements, and the impact on public trust in democratic institutions. The DOGE initiative was framed as a mission to streamline federal spending and enhance bureaucratic efficiency.

Mr Musk, positioned as a “special government employee,” wielded significant influence while officially limited to 130 days of service per year. But the op a city around how this time is measured ~ and whether it’s even being tracked ~ reflects a troubling disregard for established ethical standards. This is not just about Mr Musk. It is about the precedent such........

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