The disappointing history of government efficiency commissions like DOGE

As Elon Musk readies a new commission focused on reducing government spending, he is bringing memes and social media clout to a Washington tradition that dates back over a century — and often ends in disappointment.

Since at least the administration of Theodore Roosevelt, presidents have been appointing commissions to recommend reforms to the executive branch in the name of making government more efficient or saving money. But many have come up short in their goals to tackle waste and abuse, especially when led by business leaders with limited experience in federal bureaucracy.