Steve Davis, a longtime ally of Elon Musk, has quietly become one of the most powerful figures in the U.S. government, overseeing the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Davis has been instrumental in executing Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting initiatives, from slashing federal programs to pressuring agencies for data access—moves that have sparked both internal resistance and legal battles. His track record includes spearheading layoffs at Twitter (now X), running The Boring Company, and managing cost-saving strategies at SpaceX. Musk has praised Davis’s ruthless efficiency, once comparing him to chemotherapy: "A little chemo can save your life; a lot of chemo could kill you." While his supporters view him as a pragmatic problem-solver, others see him as a blind enforcer of Musk’s vision, willing to disregard rules and norms in pursuit of cost reduction.

Key Points:

• Steve Davis's Role: Effectively leads DOGE, often exerting more influence than Amy Gleason, the official administrator of the office.
• Musk’s Right-Hand Man: Davis has worked alongside Musk for over 20 years, playing key roles at SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), and The Boring Company.
• Cost-Cutting Focus: Instrumental in finding ways to carve out the $2 trillion Musk has promised to eliminate from the federal budget.
• Controversial Actions: Pressured federal agencies for sensitive data access; oversaw drastic layoffs at X; played a behind-the-scenes role in reshaping government hiring and diversity programs.
• Musk’s Praise and Criticism: Musk has championed Davis’s relentless drive, likening him to “chemo,” but critics argue he prioritizes loyalty over expertise.
• Past Mistakes: His frugality at SpaceX contributed to technical failures, including a fuel imbalance that caused a Falcon 1 rocket test failure in 2007.
• Secretive and Loyal: Davis works from a guarded office within the General Services Administration and avoids public attention; his deep loyalty to Musk has led former acquaintances to describe him as a “blind servant.”
• Political Influence: Helped Musk fund and operate a pro-Trump super PAC; played a critical role in Trump’s transition team and government-wide cost-cutting plans.
• Legal and Ethical Scrutiny: Facing lawsuits related to aggressive tactics at X, and opposition from career government officials aiming to limit his influence.

Davis remains one of Musk’s most enigmatic and influential figures—working tirelessly in the shadows to reform government in Musk’s vision, for better or worse.
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