Tech billionaire Elon Musk's tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency draws emotional reactions during his last Cabinet meeting at the White House.
According to Fox News, Musk received a standing ovation from President Donald Trump's Cabinet as he prepares to conclude his role at DOGE, with Trump expressing gratitude for Musk's contributions while acknowledging the challenges he faced during his service.
The SpaceX and Tesla CEO's departure comes as his 130-day term as a special government employee approaches its May 30 deadline. During his brief but impactful tenure, Musk has led teams across federal agencies to identify and eliminate government waste, fraud, and mismanagement, earning consistent praise from the Trump administration.
Musk reported that DOGE has successfully saved American taxpayers $160 billion through various cost-cutting initiatives. His role as a "special government employee," a position established by Congress in 1962, allowed him to serve temporarily in the executive branch for a specific short-term mission.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirmed that while Musk is no longer regularly present at the White House, he continues to contribute remotely. The shift in working arrangements hasn't affected the department's efficiency, with Wiles maintaining regular phone communications with Musk.
During the Cabinet meeting, Musk delivered a passionate assessment of the administration's accomplishments. Trump responded with his own words of appreciation:
You have been treated unfairly. But, the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you. And this whole room can say that very strongly. It's really been a tremendous help. You opened up a lot of eyes as to what could be done. And we just want to thank you very much.
The tech entrepreneur's association with DOGE has not been without its share of difficulties. Tesla dealerships have faced significant protests, including physical attacks on vehicles and organized boycotts, directly linked to Musk's involvement with the Trump administration.
Musk addressed these challenges with his characteristic humor during the Cabinet meeting, wearing two Trump hats and joking about the protesters' actions. His light-hearted approach to the situation drew laughter from his colleagues.
The Department of Government Efficiency itself is scheduled to dissolve on July 4, 2026, according to Trump's executive order, making Musk's departure part of the organization's planned evolution.
Trump has previously expressed his desire to retain Musk's services for as long as possible, acknowledging the reality that Musk needs to return to his corporate responsibilities. The tech leader's departure aligns with both legal requirements and practical considerations.
During a March interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, Musk indicated that most of DOGE's core objectives would be achieved within his designated timeframe. His confidence in meeting these goals has been validated by the department's reported success in identifying substantial cost savings.
The transition comes as DOGE continues its mission to streamline federal operations, with the department's influence expected to extend beyond Musk's tenure.
Elon Musk's departure from DOGE marks the conclusion of a unique experiment in bringing private sector efficiency to government operations. His 130-day term as a special government employee saw him lead efforts that reportedly saved $160 billion in government spending while facing significant personal and professional challenges. As Musk prepares to return full-time to his roles at SpaceX and Tesla, his legacy at DOGE will be measured by the lasting impact of his cost-cutting initiatives and the precedent set for future collaboration between tech industry leaders and government institutions.
