Flanked by Donald Trump in the Oval Office this week, Elon Musk unveiled his latest project: the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). According to Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency aims to provide “maximum transparency” as it cuts through federal regulations and streamlines government operations. However, despite these bold claims, the department’s official website was initially empty, raising questions about its actual progress. On Wednesday, the site was updated with new content, including data sourced from a controversial right-wing think tank, the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), which has recently found itself embroiled in legal issues with a climate scientist.
What is on Doge's Official Website?
The website now includes a feed from Musk’s social media platform, X, as well as a blank section intended to showcase savings identified by the agency. These savings, which Musk promises will be updated “no later than” Valentine’s Day, are eagerly awaited by followers of the Department of Government Efficiency.
At the top of the regulations page, Doge features data published by CEI, a libertarian think tank known for its efforts to oppose climate change regulations. This data is part of CEI’s “unconstitutionality index,” which compares new regulations and rules introduced by government agencies to laws enacted by Congress. The think tank has long been critical of climate-focused policies, arguing that they stifle economic growth and individual freedom.
Who is Behind the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI)?
CEI has a long history of working to undermine environmental regulations. The think tank played a key role in opposing the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Waxman-Markey bill in 2009, both of which aimed to curb greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, CEI has been vocal in its opposition to climate change legislation and the Paris climate treaty, even successfully lobbying President Trump to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 agreement.
CEI’s ideological stance is summed up in its campaigns. In one ad, the group took aim at Al Gore’s 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth, claiming that “The Antarctic ice sheet is getting thicker, not thinner,” and questioning why climate activists were trying to “scare us.” In another, CEI declared that carbon dioxide is “essential to life,” arguing, “They call it pollution. We call it life.” This stance sparked controversy and led to a backlash from the scientific community, with some experts accusing CEI of misrepresenting research in its advertisements.
What Legal Issues Does CEI Face?
The think tank’s influence has not been without consequences. In January of last year, CEI lost a lawsuit filed by climate scientist Dr. Michael Mann, who sought $1 million in punitive damages. Mann accused CEI of defamation and spreading false information about his research. Despite this legal setback, CEI remains an influential player in the conservative and fossil fuel sectors.
What is the Relationship Between CEI and the Koch Network?
The CEI’s ties to the far-right and fossil fuel industry run deep. The think tank has close connections to the Koch network, formed by the late billionaire Charles Koch and his brother David. In 2020 alone, the Koch network donated approximately $900,000 to CEI, although the actual amount may be higher, as it does not include “dark money” contributions that do not need to be publicly disclosed. Between 1997 and 2015, CEI accepted over $640,000 from the Koch network.
In addition to the Koch brothers, CEI has also received funding from major players in the oil and gas industries, including the American Petroleum Institute and ExxonMobil. The think tank is also an associate member of the State Policy Network (SPN), an ultraconservative group that has received funding from Koch-linked organizations and whose members have advocated for laws targeting anti-pipeline protests.
How Does CEI Influence Policy?
Through its connections to wealthy donors and political groups, CEI continues to shape policy debates on climate change and regulation. The think tank regularly publishes reports that argue against climate-related financial disclosures and efficiency standards for appliances. With its extensive financial backing, CEI remains a formidable opponent to progressive environmental policies and continues to wield significant influence in conservative circles.
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