Sporting a "Dark Gothic MAGA" hat, black coat, sunglasses, and a chainsaw, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk surprised attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday evening.

Musk addressed a variety of issues, from recent DOGE developments and criticism from Democrats and the media, to the crucial need for reducing government waste. He revealed ongoing discussions with President Trump about returning savings from DOGE initiatives to taxpayers through tax refunds.

Argentinian President Javier Milei, known for his aggressive government downsizing efforts, joined Musk on stage. The chainsaw, reminiscent of a viral Milei video, symbolized their shared commitment to cutting government waste.

Musk explained his transition into the political sphere, emphasizing the necessity of these actions to safeguard programs like Medicare and Social Security. He compared a country's finances to an individual's, stating that overspending inevitably leads to bankruptcy.

Musk affirmed his discussions with President Trump about issuing "DOGE dividends" to taxpayers from the achieved savings. He anticipates these savings will translate directly into tax reductions.

He criticized the Biden administration and established bureaucrats for allegedly using taxpayer money to advance their ideological goals, citing mass immigration as an example. Musk argued that the administration's incentive was to maximize the number of undocumented immigrants, viewing them as potential Democratic voters.

Since Trump's return to office, Musk has faced significant criticism from Democrats and the media for his DOGE leadership and efforts to eliminate wasteful government programs, many related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

DOGE reports $44 billion in taxpayer savings to date. Musk expressed surprise at the scale of government spending and the ease with which billions can be saved with focused effort. He highlighted the lack of empathy for taxpayers demonstrated by some officials.

Musk dismissed the criticism he’s received, joking that he's a "threat to the bureaucracy" rather than democracy. He also shared his personal motivations for tackling government overspending, referencing his upbringing and the influence of American culture, which instilled in him a desire to "be on the side of good."