Elon Musk exits DOGE after 129 days with $175 billion savings and controversy

After a brief but turbulent 129-day tenure, Elon Musk has exited the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claiming to have saved the government $175 billion. Though far short of his initial $2 trillion goal, Musk's impact was marked by aggressive budget cuts and a controversial leadership style.

Musk's approach to government was characterized by his trademark "move fast, break things" ethos, which clashed with the consensus-driven nature of public administration. His tenure saw mass layoffs, deep deregulation, and sweeping asset sales, reflecting the operational chaos familiar to his corporate ventures.

One of the most significant and contentious outcomes was the sharp reduction of US foreign aid, particularly the gutting of USAID programs focused on food security, gender equity, and global health. These cuts raised alarms among humanitarian organizations concerned about the long-term effects.

Musk expressed disappointment over a recent massive spending bill, stating it "increases the budget deficit, doesn't decrease it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing." He also addressed misconceptions about DOGE's role, saying, "DOGE became the whipping boy for everything... people think that somehow DOGE is gonna stop them from getting their Social Security check, which is completely untrue."

Despite initially indicating he would continue working part-time, Musk's advisory role ended as planned, leaving behind a polarizing legacy defined by disruption and controversy.

Key quotes:
"DOGE became the whipping boy for everything... people think that somehow DOGE is gonna stop them from getting their Social Security check, which is completely untrue."
"I was, like, disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, doesn't decrease it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing."

Stats:
- $175 billion in government savings claimed by Musk
- Tenure lasted 129 days

Musk's departure marks the end of a brief but impactful chapter in government efficiency efforts, leaving questions about the sustainability of his aggressive reforms.

Elon Musk exited the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after 129 days, claiming $175 billion in government savings amid controversy. His tenure featured aggressive budget cuts, including slashing USAID programs, and a disruptive leadership style that clashed with traditional government operations.