On Wednesday, Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak criticized the Department of Government Efficiency’s or DOGE approach to mass layoffs, calling its sweeping federal workforce cuts a reckless strategy that lacks precision.
What Happened: During an interview with CNBC, Wozniak expressed concerns over DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting tactics, which have resulted in thousands of federal employees losing their jobs.
“Mass firings — not good for a business to run that way,” he stated, suggesting that instead of indiscriminate cuts, DOGE should approach workforce reductions “more surgically, with a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer.”
The Apple co-founder has previously also criticized Tesla Inc. and found himself at odds with Elon Musk.
While the White House maintains that Musk does not officially lead DOGE, President Donald Trump mentioned during his address on Tuesday that “DOGE is headed by Elon Musk,” reinforcing the widespread belief that he is the driving force behind the agency.
DOGE’s mass layoffs have sparked controversy. The agency’s actions have also prompted legal challenges, with Trump’s latest comments being flagged in an ongoing lawsuit against DOGE.
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Why It Matters: Wozniak is not the only prominent business figure speaking out against DOGE. Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has also taken to Bluesky and said that the agency’s cuts will “inevitably” create chaos, calling its approach “not so brilliant.”
On the other hand, Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has expressed support for the idea of cutting wasteful spending but has also highlighted the chaos and legal challenges that DOGE’s methods have introduced.
DOGE is also said to have saved $65 billion. However, experts have labeled these statements as “smoke and mirrors” amid a wave of resignations.
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