Elon Musk steps down from his role in the Trump administration after helping to trim $175 billion in government waste, though critics question the true impact of these cuts.
At a Glance
- Elon Musk has ended his tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as his term as Special Government Employee concluded
- DOGE has reportedly achieved approximately $175 billion in savings, equivalent to about $1,087 per taxpayer
- President Trump and his Cabinet will now lead DOGE’s continuing mission to cut $2 trillion from federal spending
- Several key staffers are also departing alongside Musk, including advisor Steve Davis and spokesperson Katie Miller
- Musk criticized a recent budget bill passed by House Republicans for undermining DOGE’s cost-cutting efforts
Musk Completes DOGE Mission as Special Government Employee
Elon Musk has officially concluded his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Trump administration’s cost-cutting initiative established shortly after President Trump took office. Musk’s departure comes as his designation as a “special government employee” reaches its scheduled conclusion. This classification allowed him to serve in the executive branch under different ethics rules than standard government employees, with service limited to 130 days annually, while continuing to lead his private companies including Tesla and SpaceX.
In his farewell message, Musk expressed gratitude to the President while highlighting DOGE’s continuing mission. “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. The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government,” Musk stated.
DOGE's Future After Elon Musk: A New Era Begins
Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his role overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leaving many wondering about its future direction. Musk's tenure was marked by significant federal budget cuts and a… pic.twitter.com/vbi0HmWBdo
— Political Maverick (@PoliticalMav) May 29, 2025
Substantial Cost Savings Claimed Despite Critics
During its operation under Musk’s leadership, DOGE implemented employee cuts and terminated numerous government contracts, with the initiative’s website reporting approximately $175 billion in taxpayer savings. According to administration figures, these cuts translate to roughly $1,087 saved per American taxpayer. The department was initially tasked with the ambitious goal of cutting $2 trillion from federal spending, making the reported savings a significant first step toward that larger objective.
However, some critics and analyses suggest the cost-cutting measures could ultimately cost the government approximately $135 billion due to lost productivity and potential rehiring expenses. The Trump administration has signaled plans to make some of DOGE’s cuts permanent through a rescission package in Congress, particularly targeting foreign aid and other expenditures deemed unnecessary.
Leadership Transition to Trump Cabinet
With Musk’s departure, the DOGE initiative will not be shutting down. Instead, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump and his Cabinet members will now directly lead the department’s ongoing efforts. Several other key figures are also departing alongside Musk, including advisor Steve Davis, spokesperson Katie Miller, and attorney James Burnham, signaling a significant transition in the department’s operations.
Leavitt emphasized that DOGE’s mission has now become part of the federal government’s “DNA” and will continue as standard operating procedure. Prior to his departure, Musk had indicated he planned to reduce his involvement with DOGE to focus more attention on his companies, stating he would dedicate only one to two days weekly to government work. Some Tesla investors had previously expressed concern that Musk’s government role was dividing his attention and potentially affecting the automaker’s brand and operations.
Budget Bill Friction
In his final days leading DOGE, Musk publicly criticized a budget bill passed by House Republicans, which he claimed undermines the department’s cost-cutting mission. This tension between the administration’s stated goal of reducing government spending and congressional budget actions highlights the challenges faced by DOGE’s ambitious cost-cutting agenda. The Trump administration appears committed to continuing these efforts despite the leadership transition.
As the Department of Government Efficiency moves forward under new leadership, its effectiveness in achieving the stated goal of $2 trillion in cuts will remain a focal point for both supporters of smaller government and critics concerned about the impact of these reductions on federal services. The $175 billion in reported savings represents approximately 8.75% of the department’s original target, leaving significant work ahead for President Trump’s Cabinet as they assume control of this signature initiative.
