Elon Musk Dumps Trump End of an Era (or Just a Pit Stop?)

Elon Musk Ends Tenure as Special Government Employee, Reflects on "Uphill Battle" in Washington

Elon Musk's stint as a special government employee officially concluded this evening, marking the end of a highly publicized and often controversial chapter in his career. Musk himself acknowledged the transition, thanking President Trump for the opportunity to contribute to reducing wasteful spending.

“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,” Musk wrote. “The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

While his exit was anticipated due to the term limits for special government employees (a maximum of 130 days per year), it signals a potential shift in Musk's focus back towards his core business ventures, particularly Tesla and SpaceX.

The Rise and (Perceived) Fall of DOGE

Musk spearheaded the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to drastically cut spending across federal agencies. His methods, however, drew both praise and criticism. Key moments included:

• Aggressive Cost-Cutting: Musk's team moved rapidly to shut down entities like USAID, causing significant disruption within the federal workforce.
• Controversial Publicity Stunts: Musk famously brandished a chainsaw at CPAC, symbolizing his commitment to slashing government programs, a move that was perceived as insensitive by many.
• Clashes with Administration Officials: Reports surfaced of heated disagreements, including a reported shouting match with Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent over Musk's attempt to install his own acting director of the IRS.

Criticism and Second Thoughts

Musk's foray into politics wasn't without its challenges. His actions fueled unpopularity and arguably tarnished the Tesla brand. He recently signaled a move away from politics, intending to dedicate more time to his companies.

Further adding fuel to the fire, Musk voiced his disapproval of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," a massive tax and spending package. “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing,” he stated.

His political influence also appeared to wane after a significant investment in the Wisconsin Supreme Court elections failed to yield the desired outcome. A $25 million investment to elect a conservative judge proved unsuccessful, resulting in a liberal majority on the court.

The Numbers Don't Lie?

While Musk initially claimed he could identify $2 trillion in spending cuts, DOGE now asserts to have found $175 billion in savings. Even this figure has been met with skepticism.

In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Musk himself acknowledged the difficulty of his task. “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.”

Bill Gates Weighs In

Adding to the criticism, Bill Gates, a long-time advocate for foreign aid, condemned the closure of USAID, highlighting its impact on crucial life-saving programs. “The picture of the world’s richest man killing the world’s poorest children is not a pretty one,” Gates told the Financial Times.

Musk's departure marks the end of a unique experiment, leaving behind a trail of both accomplishments and controversies. Whether his efforts will ultimately leave a lasting impact on government efficiency remains to be seen. One thing is certain: his time in Washington has provided valuable insights into the complexities and challenges of navigating the federal bureaucracy, lessons that could shape his future endeavors, whether in business or beyond.

Tags: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Government, DOGE, Special Employee, White House, Spending, Government Efficiency, USAID, CPAC

Source: https://deadline.com/2025/05/elon-musk-leaves-trump-administration-1236413038/