With the recent exit of Elon Musk and his close aide Steve Davis from their roles in government, the discussion about who will lead the controversial cost-cutting initiative known as the U.S. DOGE Service has been heating up. This week, sources familiar with the internal talks indicate that both administration officials and private stakeholders have been deliberating on the future direction of this significant project, igniting debates across the White House, DOGE, and Silicon Valley.
### New Leadership Contenders
In the early aftermath of Musk’s departure, Joe Gebbia emerged as a potential frontrunner. Known for co-founding Airbnb, Gebbia is not just a close friend of Musk but also serves as a board member at Tesla. He joined DOGE in February and was initially considered as a candidate to assume the reins of Musk’s ambitious government project. However, reports suggest that Gebbia has expressed a lack of interest in assuming sole leadership, likely due to the intense scrutiny that would accompany such a role.
Despite his trepidation about heading the initiative alone, Gebbia remains open to serving as part of a broader advisory council, a shift that may alleviate some pressure and facilitate team-based decision-making. The proposal to consolidate leadership through a council hints at a collaborative approach rather than a single figurehead, which may be more palatable to those involved.
### The Advisory Council Structure
Among the potential members of this advisory council is Anthony Armstrong, an investment banker noted for his prior work in facilitating Musk’s acquisition of Twitter while at Morgan Stanley. As the team reconsiders its leadership structure, both Gebbia and Armstrong’s involvement could ensure that Musk’s influence continues to reverberate through the initiative even after his exit.
Interestingly, according to White House spokesman Harrison Fields, Gebbia is not interested in the formal administrator role that oversees the cost-cutting effort. Instead, he will focus on enhancing government website usability, a task that helps build positive rapport with taxpayers while keeping him distanced from the more controversial aspects of DOGE’s agenda.
### A Fluid Management Approach
The management style of the DOGE initiative has been characterized by a degree of informality. Even during Musk’s tenure, the hierarchy within the organization was somewhat nebulous. Although Musk was frequently referred to as the head of DOGE, he was technically not involved in the organization, which added complexity to its leadership dynamics. His former aide, Davis, functioned more or less as the operational leader, while Amy Gleason has served as acting administrator since February.
Musk’s leadership was punctuated by a significant reputational toll, showcasing the complexities of engaging with government reforms. The backlash against his approach included protests at Tesla dealerships and a notable drop in stock performance, making his leadership legacy a double-edged sword for anyone contemplating a successor role.
### Challenges Ahead for Successors
Key players like Gebbia and Armstrong face immense challenges in stepping into leadership roles. Their dynamics with Musk’s supporters will be scrutinized, particularly as some constituents lament his controversial political stances. The options open to Gebbia and Armstrong may be more limited due to a lack of Musk’s wealth, public visibility, and direct political connections, especially as Musk’s row with President Trump heats up.
Moreover, with the uncertain political landscape, there are concerns that some team members may either leave to follow Musk back into the private sector or risk facing backlash from Trump’s camp. Emotions within DOGE are mixed, with some members expressing frustration at Musk’s antagonistic approach toward Trump, fearing repercussions for their perceived loyalty.
### Existing Contributions and Future Focus
Throughout this turbulent period, both Gebbia and Armstrong have maintained a visible presence, participating in media interviews to defend the initiatives of DOGE. Gebbia has been particularly focused on reforming the deeply entrenched and often cumbersome federal retirement process, a task generally welcomed by both sides of the political aisle. This emphasis on modernization could shield him somewhat from the criticisms facing other DOGE projects.
On the other hand, Armstrong’s background in finance and technology sectors complements the team’s objectives despite the volatility surrounding leadership discussions. His recent past with Musk during significant entrepreneurial ventures has positioned him as a relevant player in this evolving narrative.
## Technical Expertise as Stability
Gebbia’s expertise in technology and innovation is expected to provide some stability to DOGE as it navigates through the restructuring process. His recent ventures outside of Airbnb include partial ownership of the San Antonio Spurs and a startup called Samara, along with his position on the Tesla board, enabling him to remain relevant in technology circles while keeping an eye on government reform.
Unlike Musk, Gebbia has described his political journey as rightward-leaning based on health-related issues. His associations, particularly with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., indicate a focus on bipartisan support for health initiatives, further showcasing his adaptability in a politically charged environment.
### Conclusion
As shifts in leadership unfold within DOGE, the evolving dynamics between its members, the White House, and the broader public will have widespread implications for government efficiency and cost-saving measures. With Gebbia and Armstrong potentially at the helm, the future direction of this initiative remains a topic of intense scrutiny and speculation. The success of DOGE’s cost-cutting measures may ride on their ability to navigate political waters while promoting transparency and accountability in government operations.
