Warren Buffett responds to questions on Musk and DOGE, ‘talked to Elon…’

Legendary investor Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., recently avoided commenting on Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives in Washington. In an interview aired on CBS News, Buffett laughed off the inquiry, saying, “Well, I better not get into all that…” While he acknowledged having “talked to Elon a few times”, he chose not to weigh in on the Tesla CEO’s government efficiency efforts.

Rather than discussing Musk’s policies, Buffett redirected the conversation toward his steadfast belief in the strength of American enterprises. “A majority of any money I manage will always be in the United States,” he asserted. When pressed for a reason, his response was simple yet firm: “It’s the best place. I was lucky to be born here.” This declaration reaffirms Buffett’s long-held confidence in the US economy and business landscape.

Musk’s role in government cost-cutting

Musk, currently an advisor to President Donald Trump and co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is actively advocating for substantial federal cost reductions. His team is pushing for agency restructuring and workforce reductions, reflecting a stark contrast in economic approaches between the two billionaires. While Musk takes an aggressive stance on slashing government expenditures, Buffett has previously acknowledged the fiscal realities of the nation but appears less inclined toward drastic measures.

Buffett’s tax contribution 

Buffett recently disclosed that Berkshire Hathaway paid over $5 billion in federal taxes, making an important point about corporate taxation. “If 800 other companies had done the same thing, no other person in the United States would have had to pay a dime of federal taxes,” he noted. His remarks underscore his perspective on corporate responsibility and fiscal policy.

While Buffett and Musk maintain mutual respect, their relationship remains distant. In a 2020 interview, Musk described Buffett as having cultivated an image of a “kindly grandfather, which is maybe overstating the case.” Meanwhile, Buffett has referred to Musk as a “brilliant, brilliant guy” with a strong dedication to tackling impossible challenges.

Buffett’s on tariffs

Apart from his views on taxation, Buffett criticised President Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, calling them “an act of war” and a direct tax on consumers. His candid stance on economic policies contrasts with Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting approach.