Washington, D.C., May 29, 2025 — Elon Musk has officially resigned from his position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in former President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk’s announcement brings an end to a brief yet controversial chapter in his political involvement.
Appointed to streamline federal spending and reduce government waste, Musk’s role at DOGE was a central part of Trump's efforts to overhaul the bureaucratic system. However, his resignation follows rising tensions, particularly over the administration’s recent "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a sweeping tax and spending package that Musk criticized for contributing to the national deficit.
In a public statement, Musk thanked Trump for the opportunity but made it clear that he disagreed with the direction of the bill, saying, “A bill can be big, or it can be beautiful. I’m not sure it can be both.”
During his four-month tenure, Musk pushed for aggressive budget cuts and structural reforms aimed at saving up to $2 trillion. In practice, the actual savings totaled around $150 billion, a fraction of his ambitious goal. His fast-paced approach sparked controversy and led to internal conflict — with about a third of DOGE staff reportedly resigning in protest.
Despite his formal departure, Musk stated he will continue offering input to the department on a part-time, informal basis. In parallel, the Pentagon has ended the "What You Did Last Week" program, an accountability initiative that had been tied to Musk’s vision for streamlined government performance.
Musk’s exit signals a shift in the Trump administration’s plans for governmental reform, leaving questions about the future of DOGE and whether Musk’s influence will persist in any meaningful way.