MWE Correspondent
Elon Musk has stepped down from his short-lived role in the U.S. federal government, bringing an end to his tenure as a special government employee overseeing the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, commonly referred to as DOGE.
Musk, known globally as the CEO of Tesla, Inc. and founder of SpaceX, confirmed that his government service has concluded as of Wednesday night.
Musk’s involvement in government began when he was appointed under the administration of President Donald J. Trump to lead DOGE, a department established to reduce federal waste and improve operational efficiency. As a special government employee, Musk was restricted to a maximum of 130 working days per year, and his term has now reached its legal end.
“I believe I’ve done what I can,” Musk said in a brief message shared on X, the platform he now owns. “It’s time for others to take it from here.”
A Polarizing Role in Government Reform
During his leadership, DOGE introduced sweeping reforms that resulted in significant cuts to the federal workforce. These actions aligned with Trump-era efforts to rein in government spending and overhaul what was perceived by some as bureaucratic bloat.
But not everyone agreed with Musk’s approach. A group of 21 federal technology professionals resigned in protest, claiming that the reforms under Musk’s direction risked dismantling critical public services. According to PBS NewsHour, the departing staffers raised alarms about the potential for national security risks and weakening of digital infrastructure.
The controversy deepened following Musk’s public criticism of a newly passed federal spending bill. He called the bill “deeply disappointing” for its increase in the U.S. national deficit, suggesting it contradicted the core mission of DOGE. His frustration with the legislation reportedly played a role in his decision to exit the role sooner than anticipated.
Also Read; Government Urged To Review NGOs’ Financial Health
DOGE to Continue Without Musk
Although Musk is stepping back, the White House has clarified that DOGE’s initiatives will not be halted. A number of its personnel remain embedded across various federal agencies and are expected to continue the work for months, possibly years.
CNN reported that while Musk was the most visible face of DOGE, the department had been quietly staffing career officials in roles across departments to ensure continuity even in the event of leadership changes. These personnel are said to be “mission-aligned” and will maintain operational focus despite Musk’s exit.
However, questions have emerged about Musk’s exact legal status within the federal structure. As highlighted by TIME, internal communications and recent legal filings suggest there was some ambiguity about the scope of his decision-making powers—raising concerns about accountability and procedural oversight.
What’s Next for Elon Musk?
With his government chapter now closed, Musk is expected to turn his full attention back to his commercial ventures. These include Neuralink, a neurotechnology company seeking to connect the human brain to machines, and Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX.
Musk’s brief but eventful stint in public service has only added to his already complex public image—a tech visionary, provocateur, and now a government reformist. Whether his efforts at DOGE will be remembered as bold efficiency or disruptive overreach remains a matter of political and historical interpretation.
