Elon Musk Exits DOGE; Trump and Cabinet Step In to Lead Cost-Cutting Efforts

Elon Musk wraps up his 130-day role as head of DOGE, having led efforts to cut federal waste and save $160 billion.

By Published: May 30, 2025 10:57 AM EDT Updated: May 30, 2025 11:07 AM EDT 80.6k
Elon Musk at a government press briefing on federal efficiency reforms

Elon Musk has concluded his tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role he held for 130 days. The White House announced that President Donald Trump, along with his Cabinet and existing DOGE appointees, will continue the initiative aimed at reducing federal government waste and inefficiency.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "The DOGE leaders are each and every member of the President's cabinet—and the president himself—who is wholeheartedly committed to cutting waste, fraud, and abuse from our government."

Musk, who also serves as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the DOGE mission would "only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government."

During his tenure, Musk aimed to cut $2 trillion in federal spending, later adjusting the target to $1 trillion. The official DOGE website reports that the agency has saved $160 billion through measures like contract cancellations and asset sales.

Following Musk's departure, his close associate Steve Davis, who served as his de facto second-in-command at DOGE, also resigned. Davis's exit was attributed to the limitations of special government employee roles, which restrict service to 130 days per year.

President Trump praised Musk's contributions, stating on his Truth Social platform, "Elon is terrific! See you tomorrow at the White House." A joint press conference was scheduled to mark Musk's final day in the role.

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