Elon Musk is wrapping up his role in the Trump administration, marking the end of his tenure as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk’s official departure is set for May 30, which aligns with the legal limit for his position as a "special government employee." He was appointed to this role in January, just after Trump took office.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump announced a press conference scheduled for tomorrow at 1:30 PM EST, where he will join Musk in the Oval Office. Trump expressed his appreciation for Musk, stating that while his formal government service is ending, Musk will continue to support the administration’s efforts.
Musk thanked Trump for the opportunity to work on reducing government waste, highlighting that the DOGE initiative has saved approximately $175 billion through various measures, including asset sales and contract cancellations. This savings translates to about $1,087 for each taxpayer.
Despite the positive outcomes touted by the administration, Musk’s role has faced criticism from some Democrats. During a recent House Oversight hearing, Rep. Melanie Stansbury labeled Musk’s influence as "reckless," while Rep. Jasmine Crockett raised concerns about him acting as an "unelected official."
As Musk transitions back to the private sector, markets have responded favorably, with Tesla shares rising 4.2% following news of his departure from government service. Musk reassured investors that he will devote more time to Tesla and SpaceX starting in June, now that DOGE’s foundation is established.
The White House has not commented on Musk’s exit or the future of DOGE. As the situation unfolds, many are watching to see how Musk’s departure will impact both the administration and his business ventures.