Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his role as a Special Government Employee in the Trump administration, where he led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His departure, announced on May 29, 2025, comes after a 130-day tenure marked by efforts to reduce federal spending and bureaucracy.
Musk’s exit was influenced by his growing dissatisfaction with President Trump’s recent budget legislation, which he criticized for significantly increasing the national deficit, thereby undermining DOGE’s mission to reduce government waste. Despite his resignation, Musk expressed that DOGE’s mission would continue, stating that its principles would “only strengthen over time.”
During his tenure, Musk aimed to cut $2 trillion in federal spending but managed to achieve approximately $175 billion in savings, a figure that has been met with skepticism and legal challenges. His leadership style and aggressive cost-cutting measures led to internal conflicts and public criticism, including lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of his role.
Musk’s departure marks a significant shift in the Trump administration’s approach to government efficiency, with the White House indicating plans to continue DOGE’s mission without him.
