‘So much fat dripping off these chickens’: Kevin O’Leary says Elon Musk’s DOGE could be ‘Trump’s biggest achievement.’ Here’s what he means and how to cut waste in your own life
“Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary has never been one to mince words, and his latest take on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is no exception.
In a recent interview with Fox Business, O’Leary praised DOGE’s efforts to expose government waste, calling it “the best barbecue” he’s seen.
“This is wildly popular because we have a unique situation. You’ve got Elon Musk with his own international broadcast network. He can publish anything he wants at any time,” O’Leary said. “He goes into these agencies — 48 hours later, puts a list of crazy stuff like you just detailed.”
Musk, who owns social media platform X, has been vocal about DOGE’s findings, sharing reports on government spending that some critics call excessive.
Some of the expenses DOGE flagged include: $14 million in taxpayer money for “social cohesion” programs in Mali, $40 million for Cambodian women’s empowerment, $10 million for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision” and $14 million for “improving public procurement” in Serbia.
For O’Leary, these revelations raise serious questions.
“People see it all through the U.S. and around the world and say, ‘This is nuts,’” he said. “And it just fuels — what else is out there?”
O’Leary also pointed out that Musk’s ability to spearhead DOGE’s initiatives wouldn’t be possible without “the executive behind him,” referring to President Donald Trump. In the description of his video, O’Leary even stated: “DOGE COULD BE REMEMBERED AS TRUMP’S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT.”
And according to him, there’s still plenty more to uncover.
“There’s a lot of tension going on here with the management of these programs, and particularly when we start talking with the FAA and the Pentagon,” O’Leary said.
“I mean, oh, baby, wait till that one comes out, because that is always going to be a black hole saying, ‘Well, it’s for defense, and I can’t tell you what it’s for.’ But now there’s accountability. There’s so much fat dripping off these chickens — this is the best barbecue I’ve ever seen.”
To be sure, not everyone shares O’Leary’s enthusiasm. Some lawmakers are raising concerns about the legality of DOGE’s approach.
Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) recently wrote to IRS Acting Commissioner Douglas O’Donnell, warning that DOGE-affiliated personnel accessing IRS systems could violate strict taxpayer data protection laws.
“Even if individuals affiliated with DOGE are employed by Treasury, their access to tax information may not be legal,” they wrote. “Software engineers working for Musk seeking to gain access to tax return information have no right to hoover up taxpayer data and send that data back to any other part of the federal government and may be breaking the law if they are doing so.”
DOGE is already facing legal challenges. On Feb. 11, a coalition of privacy defenders led by the law firm Lex Lumina and the Electronic Frontier Foundation filed a lawsuit seeking a federal court order to prevent the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from sharing millions of Americans’ private information with Musk and DOGE.
While DOGE’s efforts are making waves in Washington, O’Leary’s analogy about fat dripping off chickens applies to more than just federal spending. Waste exists in businesses, households and personal finances alike.
Here’s a look at three areas where you can cut costs in 2025 — and beyond.
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Car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the national average cost for car insurance in 2024 was $2,150 per year (or $179 per month).
However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you could be paying more than necessary.
More Americans are also facing higher car payments, so it’s important to control vehicle-related expenses where you can.
Instead of sticking with the same provider, you can try taking a few minutes to compare quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Bank fees can quietly drain your finances over time. Even comedian Bill Burr once complained to Joe Rogan about his bank taking $28 out of his account every month “for no reason.”
In reality, many traditional banks charge anywhere from $5 to $35 per month in maintenance fees, overdraft fees and other hidden charges.
Online banks, on the other hand, typically offer lower fees (or none at all) since they don’t have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar institutions.
Many online banks also offer high-interest checking and savings accounts, allowing you to earn more on your idle cash while avoiding costly fees.
Monthly utility bills — electricity, water and heating — can add up fast, but small changes can lead to big savings over time.
You can switch to LED light bulbs, unplug devices when they’re not in use and use smart thermostats to cut heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simply switching to LED lighting can save the average household about $225 per year in energy costs.
You might also want to consider air sealing your home and adding insulation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that by doing so, homeowners can save about 15% on heating and cooling costs, or an average of 11% on their total energy costs.
You can use caulk for cracks and openings around door and window frames. You can also try weatherstripping to seal movable components such as doors and windows.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Jill Bates is a writer on the Modernist Podcast. She writes politics, health, business and finance. She also has a passion for photography, travel and food.
