Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his role in the Trump administration, concluding a contentious 130-day tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk wrote on X, his own social media platform.
His departure follows a public disagreement with President Donald Trump over the recently passed “big, beautiful tax bill” as he called it. Musk criticized the bill, stating it undermines DOGE’s mission to reduce federal spending, labeling it a massive spending bill that contradicts cost-cutting efforts. Despite Musk’s initial goal to cut $2 trillion in federal expenditures, DOGE reported savings of approximately $160 billion, a figure disputed by analysts who argue that the cuts have led to significant disruptions in public services.
During his tenure, Musk implemented aggressive measures, including mass layoffs and the dismantling of various federal programs, which critics claim resulted in the loss of institutional knowledge and long-term damage to agencies like the VA and USAID. His approach faced legal challenges, with courts ordering reinstatements of some employees and questioning the legality of his actions.
Musk’s exit also coincides with a broader political and economic context, including a federal court ruling that blocked Trump’s use of sweeping tariffs, further straining the administration’s policies. As Musk returns to focus on Tesla and SpaceX, his departure leaves behind a legacy of controversy and a federal workforce grappling with the aftermath of his reforms.
