Elon Musk Wields Chainsaw at CPAC, Signals Deep Government Cuts
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Billionaire Elon Musk made a dramatic entrance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 20, 2025, brandishing a chainsaw gifted by Argentina’s President Javier Milei. The Tesla CEO and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) used the prop to symbolize his mission to slash U.S. federal spending, captivating the conservative crowd.
Musk, dressed in a “Dark Gothic MAGA” hat and sunglasses, took the stage alongside Milei, a fellow libertarian known for wielding chainsaws during his 2023 campaign to signify cutting government waste. Before his CPAC interview with Newsmax host Rob Schmitt, Musk met Milei backstage, where the Argentine leader presented him with the silver-and-red chainsaw, engraved with Milei’s slogan, “Long live freedom, damn it!” Musk later raised it triumphantly, declaring, “This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy,” to roaring applause.
In the wide-ranging interview, Musk discussed DOGE’s evolution from a meme-inspired idea to a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s administration. He emphasized his shift from political neutrality to aligning with conservatives, citing concerns over cancel culture and threats to free speech. “We need to restore freedom and opportunity,” Musk said, touting plans to redirect government funds to taxpayers—a move he called “the spoils of battle.”
The chainsaw moment underscored Musk’s growing influence within the GOP and his partnership with Milei, whom he has praised for slashing Argentina’s government by 30% in a year. Video footage of the unboxing circulated widely, though some noted the tool’s proximity to a child backstage, sparking minor controversy.
Reactions were mixed. Supporters hailed Musk’s flair, with one X post calling it “peak Dark MAGA energy,” while critics, like New York Health Campaign director Melanie D’Arrigo, quipped, “The same guy running around with a chainsaw wants to put microchips in people’s brains.” The spectacle followed Musk’s recent push for IRS layoffs, reinforcing his aggressive stance on bureaucracy.
Milei’s gift and Musk’s theatrics stole the show, overshadowing subsequent speakers like Steve Bannon. As Musk waved the chainsaw, he grinned, “I am become meme,” blending policy with performance art.
