Elon Musk has officially concluded his brief but controversial tenure in the Trump administration, stepping down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Wednesday, May 27, after reaching the legal 130-day limit for special government employees. His departure follows a turbulent stint marked by sweeping cost-cutting initiatives, widespread layoffs, legal battles, and mounting political scrutiny.
In a post on X, Musk confirmed his exit, writing, “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.” He also signaled that DOGE’s mission would persist, saying it “will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
Why Musk Left—and Why It Matters
While Musk’s exit was expected due to his special employee status, which restricts such roles to 130 days of federal service per year, it also came amid rising tensions with the White House. Chief among the points of contention was Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping tax and spending measure Musk criticized publicly.
Speaking to CBS News earlier this month, Musk questioned the bill’s fiscal logic: “I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but I don’t know if it can be both. My personal opinion.” Sources close to Musk say the bill undermined DOGE’s cost-saving efforts, frustrating the Tesla and SpaceX CEO.
Behind the scenes, Musk reportedly grew weary of bureaucratic resistance. In comments to The Washington Post, he said, “The federal bureaucracy situation is much worse than I realized. I thought there were problems, but it sure is an uphill battle trying to improve things in D.C., to say the least.”
Despite those challenges, Musk was initially seen as a major player in Trump’s second-term agenda. He was rumored to have pledged up to $1 billion to support conservative political groups—though no official confirmation ever followed, and Musk has since distanced himself from further donations.
DOGE: A Controversial Experiment in Reform
Created by Trump in late 2024, the Department of Government Efficiency was tasked with rooting out federal waste and slashing budgets. Originally targeting $2 trillion in savings, DOGE later revised its goal to $150 billion after facing logistical and legal hurdles.
Musk’s team claimed rapid success: thousands of job eliminations and over 1,000 canceled contracts. However, watchdog groups and independent auditors found many of those contracts had already expired or were financially settled prior to DOGE's intervention. Moreover, federal unions and state attorneys general filed numerous lawsuits challenging DOGE’s actions.
Critics also took aim at the department’s lack of transparency and Musk’s appointment without Senate confirmation. Several federal judges blocked DOGE-led firings, ordering reinstatements of employees in sensitive areas, including national security and scientific research.
Aftermath and Next Steps
Though Musk is leaving federal service, his influence lingers. Several senior DOGE officials—many recruited from Musk-affiliated companies or think tanks—remain in key roles, continuing to push the initiative’s policies. Their future depends in part on the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings and the next round of congressional budget reviews.
As for Musk himself, he announced plans to redouble focus on his companies. “Back to spending 24/7 at work,” he posted on X. Tesla and SpaceX both encountered significant setbacks during his Washington tenure. Tesla saw sales drop sharply amid brand blowback and market volatility, while a high-profile Starship test launch in April ended in failure.
The White House has not released an official statement on Musk’s departure, but administration insiders told ABC News that it was expected. Trump, who has not publicly commented, reportedly remains supportive of DOGE’s goals despite the controversy.
Still, Musk appears to be retreating from political engagement—at least for now. Asked last week about further political giving, he told reporters, “I see no current reason to make donations. Reforming government is a full-time job—and not always a rewarding one.”
Legacy in Flux
Musk’s five-month stint in Washington may be remembered less for its fiscal accomplishments and more for the turbulence it stirred. Whether DOGE’s approach survives beyond his involvement remains uncertain, especially as legal rulings and political winds shift.
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