On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, LinkedIn co-founder and tech entrepreneur Reid Hoffman voiced concern about Elon Musk's growing influence over U.S. government operations, warning that treating public service like a startup could come with serious consequences.
What Happened: Hoffman appeared on the show earlier this month to discuss his new book, "Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right With Our AI Future."
The conversation took a more political turn when Colbert asked about Musk's prominent role in government through the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
"Government and companies are not the same," Hoffman said to applause from the audience. "The way that you run government shouldn't be the same as running companies."
Hoffman, who praised innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the segment, made it clear that while he believes in private-sector efficiency, he draws a sharp line between business tactics and democratic governance.
"We want government efficiency," he added, "but obviously we can do it in a much less cruel and much more lawful manner."
During their wide-ranging discussion, Hoffman and Colbert also touched on the future of AI, the creative power of AI tools like ChatGPT, China's fast-moving AI developments including DeepSeek, and Hoffman's own AI clone that can deliver speeches in multiple languages.
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Why It's Important: Musk currently leads DOGE, a controversial advisory body created by executive order under President Donald Trump to cut government spending and reduce the federal workforce.
Though not an official agency, DOGE has been given access to federal departments. The department reportedly saved $65 billion, but experts have dismissed these claims as "smoke and mirrors" amid a surge in resignations.
While some Americans support cost-cutting efforts, critics warn that Musk's approach undermines government transparency and institutional checks. DOGE has already faced legal challenges and allegations of ideological targeting.
Previously, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak also criticized DOGE for its broad approach to mass layoffs.
Photo: iQoncept via Shutterstock
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