Elon Musk has stepped down as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, concluding a contentious tenure leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

His departure, announced abruptly on X on Wednesday, ends a high-profile effort to overhaul federal bureaucracy that sparked mass layoffs, agency disruptions, and widespread legal challenges, though it fell short of Musk’s ambitious goals.

Musk, tasked with slashing government spending, initially aimed to cut $2 trillion but scaled back to $150 billion amid fierce resistance. His aggressive tactics, including buyout offers to over 2 million federal workers and attempts to shutter agencies like USAID, drew criticism for lacking transparency and violating civil service protections. Legal battles, including a federal judge’s restraining order on February 10, 2025, halted some DOGE actions, such as mass firings and USAID’s closure.

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In a parting post on X, Musk thanked Trump, stating, “The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.” However, he voiced frustration with Washington’s bureaucracy, telling The Washington Post, “The federal bureaucracy situation is much worse than I realised.” His exit coincided with his public criticism of Trump’s “big beautiful bill,” a mix of tax cuts and immigration enforcement, which Musk called a “massive spending bill” that undermined DOGE’s mission.

Trump defended the legislation, acknowledging its delicate balance, while House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Musk’s efforts and vowed to pursue further cuts. The White House is proposing $9.4 billion in rescissions, including funds for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid.

Musk’s departure shifts his focus back to Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures, though his influence may persist through DOGE’s ongoing reforms.

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