John Oliver compares Elon Musk’s DOGE department to viral Willy Wonka experience

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy John Oliver compares Elon Musk’s new role in Donald Trump’s administration to the infamous Willy Wonka experience that went viral in 2024, claiming the billionaire’s new department has “no idea what they’re doing”. Under Musk, the new office – which will operate “outside of government” – will advise on gutting federal departments and which staff should be fired if it deems they are a “massive waste.” DOGE has been under scrutiny since Trump returned to office after numerous jobs were cut and the FBI director, Kash Patel, told staff to ignore an ultimatum from Musk. “But a chainsaw might actually be a pretty apt metaphor for DOGE given that Musk’s cutting hastily and without a lot of precision.” Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. Then on Tuesday, the USDA said it accidentally fired employees who are working on the federal government’s response to the avian flu outbreak.” open image in gallery CPAC 2025 While holding the chainsaw above his head, Musk bellowed to the crowd: “This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy.” As the crowd cheered him on, Musk declared: “I have become the meme.