Elon Musk Departs Trump Administration After 130-Day Tenure
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Elon Musk Concludes Role as Special Government Employee
Elon Musk has officially concluded his tenure as a Special Government Employee in the Trump administration, stepping down from his role as the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In a statement posted on his social media platform X, Musk expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for the opportunity to contribute to reducing wasteful government spending. He noted that his scheduled time in the role had come to an end, aligning with the 130-day term limit associated with such positions.
DOGE's Mission and Achievements
Established by Executive Order 14158 on January 20, 2025, DOGE was tasked with modernizing federal technology and cutting government waste. Under Musk's leadership, the department reported significant cost-saving measures, including a 12% reduction in federal workforce and claimed savings of approximately \$160 billion. However, some analyses have questioned the accuracy of these figures, suggesting that the actual savings may be lower due to accounting errors.
Departure Amid Policy Disagreements
Musk's departure coincides with his public criticism of President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," a legislative package that includes tax cuts and increased spending on defense and border security. In a CBS interview, Musk expressed disappointment, stating that the bill would increase the federal deficit and undermine DOGE's cost-cutting objectives.
Focus on Business Ventures
Following his departure from the administration, Musk has indicated plans to refocus on his business ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, and his AI startup xAI. He acknowledged that his involvement in politics had been a distraction and expressed a desire to concentrate on his companies' growth and innovation.
Future of DOGE
Despite Musk's exit, the Trump administration has affirmed that DOGE's initiatives will continue. The department is expected to persist in its mission to streamline government operations and reduce unnecessary expenditures.
