Elon Musk’s involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was marked by significant controversy and upheaval.
Established in January 2025 by President Donald Trump, DOGE aimed to streamline federal operations by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies. Although Musk held the official title of “Senior Advisor to the President,” he was widely seen as the driving force behind the initiative. Despite not having formal authority, his influence was evident through his public statements and actions.
Under Musk’s direction, DOGE implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures, including laying off or offering buyouts to over 250,000 federal employees, canceling grants and contracts worth billions, and shutting down several federal facilities, particularly in states like Michigan. These actions were claimed to save up to $160 billion, although some questioned the accuracy of these figures.
The aggressive approach sparked internal resistance, with over 20 technical experts resigning in protest, accusing DOGE of dismantling critical public services. Several lawsuits were also filed against DOGE, alleging violations of privacy and constitutional rights.
In May 2025, Musk formally ended his 130-day tenure with DOGE, citing legal limits on his role. Despite stepping down, he expressed intentions to continue advising President Trump and reportedly remained involved in some discussions related to DOGE’s initiatives.
President Trump indicated that DOGE’s mission would conclude by July 4, 2026, marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. However, the legacy of DOGE’s actions continues to fuel debate on balancing government efficiency with maintaining essential public services.
