Recruitment Call for “High-IQ Revolutionaries”
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy recently launched an unusual job call, inviting Americans who identify as “high-IQ, small-government revolutionaries” to join their new “Department of Government Efficiency.” However, the position comes with two unique conditions: applicants must be ready to work over 80 hours a week without pay. In an announcement on X (formerly Twitter), the department, nicknamed “Doge” after a popular Shiba Inu meme, explained its purpose as cutting bureaucratic costs. The post emphasized a need for dedication, stating, “We don’t need more part-time idea generators. We need super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries willing to work 80+ hours per week on unglamorous cost-cutting.” Those interested were invited to message their resumes directly to Musk and Ramaswamy for review.
Musk’s Remarks on the Initiative
Musk, known for his candid approach on social media, added to the unconventional recruitment message, acknowledging the challenges involved. He admitted the work would be “tedious,” could result in making “lots of enemies,” and would be “zero pay,” punctuating the comment with a laughing emoji. Musk’s initiative to reduce government spending is ambitious; he’s previously mentioned plans to cut federal bureaucracy by a third, targeting a $2 trillion reduction in government expenses. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO clarified that achieving these cuts would require a “temporary hardship,” suggesting that sacrifices might be part of the path to what he sees as necessary government reform.
Trump’s Endorsement and the “Manhattan Project” Comparison
Earlier in the week, former President Donald Trump introduced Musk and Ramaswamy as co-leaders of Doge, endorsing their efforts as critical to the “Save America” movement. Trump described the department’s mission as comparable to the “Manhattan Project” of the modern era, referencing the World War II initiative that led to the creation of the atomic bomb. Trump expressed high expectations for the department’s work, praising Musk and Ramaswamy for their commitment to trimming federal bureaucracy, scaling back regulations, and restructuring government agencies.
Musk, a staunch supporter of Trump since an assassination attempt in July, has been notably vocal in his allegiance. He pledged $120 million to Trump’s campaign, led rallies in Pennsylvania, and regularly amplifies Trump’s messages on X. Following Trump’s re-election, Musk posted a symbolic photo on X of himself carrying a sink into the Oval Office, a nod to a 2022 publicity stunt after he acquired X for $44 billion. Since then, however, X’s valuation has reportedly dropped by nearly 80%, highlighting the ongoing challenges Musk faces with the platform.
