Elon Musk received a warm farewell from President Donald Trump and his Cabinet as he prepares to step back from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). During a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump expressed gratitude for Musk’s contributions, highlighting the significant impact he has made since joining the administration.
"You have been treated unfairly," Trump told Musk, acknowledging the challenges he faced. "But the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you." The room erupted in applause as Trump invited Musk to stay as long as he wanted, though he noted that Musk might wish to return to his family and businesses.
Musk, who has been leading DOGE since the start of the administration in January, has focused on eliminating government waste and mismanagement. He claimed that his efforts have saved the U.S. approximately $160 billion. "The American people voted for secure borders, safe cities, and sensible spending," Musk said, praising the administration’s accomplishments. He went as far as to say that this could be "the greatest administration since the founding of the country."
The tech billionaire, known for his roles at SpaceX and Tesla, has been serving as a "special government employee." This role allows him to work for the federal government for a limited time, which will end on May 30. Musk’s time in the position has been marked by significant achievements, and he has been recognized for his leadership in trimming down government expenditures.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirmed that Musk is no longer working regularly from the White House but is still involved through phone communications. "He hasn’t been here physically, but it really doesn’t matter much," Wiles stated.
Musk’s departure from DOGE has been expected. He has mentioned that he plans to complete most of the necessary work to reduce the deficit by a trillion dollars before his time runs out. The DOGE initiative is set to dissolve on July 4, 2026, as outlined by Trump’s executive order.
During the Cabinet meeting, Musk made light of his busy schedule, humorously remarking, "Mr. President, they say I wear a lot of hats. Even my hat has a hat." His playful comment drew laughter from those present.
As Musk concludes his role, he reflects on the significant changes made during his tenure, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and effective governance.