Elon Musk is leaving his role with the Department of Government Efficiency after 130 days, amidst legal troubles and criticisms of his effectiveness. His departure may not significantly impact DOGE’s ongoing initiatives under Trump. Musk will return to his businesses while promising DOGE will continue to thrive.
Elon Musk is stepping away from the federal spotlight, officially leaving his post with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after just 130 days. His exit comes amid a series of legal troubles, friction with Cabinet members, and a lack of substantial proof backing up his ambitious claims of savings and efficiency. In a press conference scheduled for Friday, Musk will appear alongside President Trump, marking the end of a tumultuous tenure filled with drama and sinking popularity.
Musk has framed his departure as simply the end of his ‘scheduled time’ as a special government employee. Observers suggest that while his exit may clear some space, it likely won’t greatly impact DOGE’s attempts to follow Trump’s vision of reducing bureaucracy. Musk’s role has often been unclear, with government lawyers insisting he lacks legal authority, which has cast a shadow on his touted efficiency efforts.
Legal challenges continue to loom large, as a federal judge has allowed cases questioning DOGE’s power under Musk’s leadership to move forward. Some of Musk’s backers remain entrenched in federal agencies, particularly a young group in the General Services Administration (GSA) aiming to push DOGE’s influence into even non-governmental realms, mixing the public sector with private-sector ambitions.
Notably, DOGE has been under scrutiny for its aggressive data collection strategies, raising eyebrows among judges concerned about data misuse—especially regarding immigration enforcement. Previously, Musk aimed high, once targeting a $2 trillion cut from the federal budget. However, the lofty goal saw multiple downward revisions and has now settled at about $150 billion in promised savings. Reports indicate that his claims of savings have been exaggerated or fundamentally flawed.
Meanwhile, Musk has publicly criticized Trump’s new legislative priorities that, according to him, threaten DOGE’s objectives. Some initiatives, including the controversial push to fire federal workers, have faced backlash in courts. Musk’s attempts to mandate that federal workers report weekly accomplishments via email were often met with resistance from Cabinet heads, showcasing a clash between his Silicon Valley mindset and the maze of Washington bureaucracy.
As Musk steps out, he’ll return to his businesses that are struggling, particularly Tesla, which has experienced vandalism and profit dips. His social media focus has already begun skewing back to Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, even as he assured his followers that DOGE would continue evolving within government frameworks. After pouring millions into political campaigns and initiatives, Musk announced plans to scale back his political spending, hinting that he feels he’s played his part. “I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” he remarked in a candid Bloomberg interview.
Elon Musk’s exit from the federal government marks the end of a brief but controversial chapter with DOGE. His departure raises questions about the future of the initiative, particularly amidst ongoing legal challenges and criticisms surrounding its effectiveness. As Musk shifts his focus back to his businesses, it remains to be seen how much influence he retains in the political arena and in shaping DOGE’s legacy.
Original Source: www.npr.org
