President Trump praises Elon Musk as “terrific” during a press conference marking the billionaire’s departure from the Department of Government Efficiency, hinting at Musk’s continued influence.
New Delhi: On May 30, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed Elon Musk’s exit from his role as chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during a press conference at 1:30 pm EST in the Oval Office. Trump lauded Musk as “terrific,” announcing that while it was Musk’s last official day, he would remain an advisor, ensuring his influence on government efficiency persists.
Trump’s Praise Amid Musk’s Departure
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, “This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way.” Musk, who led DOGE since its inception on January 20, 2025, via Trump’s executive order, aimed to slash $1 trillion from the federal budget. Despite stepping down, Musk’s advisory role signals continuity for DOGE’s mission to cut waste and downsize federal operations, a move Trump celebrated as uncovering “billions in waste, fraud, and abuse,” though specific evidence remains limited.
Musk’s Tenure: Achievements and Controversies
Musk’s 100-day stint at DOGE, as reported by The Guardian on May 1, 2025, saw mass firings, agency overhauls, and a $160 billion reduction in federal spending, per a May 29 post on X by@dogeai_gov. However, his methods drew criticism, including a chaotic email demanding federal workers list their tasks or face termination, a tactic Musk previously used at Twitter, according to NPR on February 27, 2025. Protests erupted globally, with Tesla showrooms vandalized in cities like Sydney and San Francisco on March 30, 2025, as per The Guardian, reflecting backlash against Musk’s influence. His recent critique of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” tax plan as “too expensive” also strained relations, per Musk’s statement earlier this week.
Musk’s Reflections and Return to Corporate Life
Musk, in a May 29 statement on X, thanked Trump for the opportunity, noting, “The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.” He has since returned to Tesla and SpaceX, reportedly working “24/7” and sleeping in conference rooms. Musk’s tenure faced scrutiny for potential conflicts of interest, given his companies’ $32 billion in federal contracts, as highlighted by The New York Times on February 12, 2025. Despite claims of “maximum transparency,” his team’s secretive actions, like accessing Treasury payment systems, raised concerns among Democrats and some Republicans.
Future of DOGE and Musk’s Influence
The White House, via spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on April 2, 2025, confirmed Musk’s exit as a Special Government Employee but emphasized his ongoing advisory role. A former DOGE staffer, cited by @japantimes on May 30, warned that DOGE might “sputter out” without Musk’s direct involvement. However, Trump’s comments and Musk’s continued advisory role suggest DOGE’s cost-cutting agenda will persist, albeit with less of Musk’s day-to-day presence. Legal challenges, including lawsuits from labor unions over mass firings, as noted by NPR on February 27, 2025, may further complicate DOGE’s future.
Public Sentiment and Political Implications
Posts on X show divided sentiment, with @danielledsouzag on May 30 applauding Musk’s continued involvement, while others question DOGE’s impact, citing its failure to meet the $1 trillion target, as reported by The New York Times on April 24, 2025. Musk’s exit comes amid broader tensions, with Trump facing criticism for empowering an unelected billionaire, a concern echoed by Democrats during a February 11 Oval Office briefing, per ABC News. As Musk shifts focus to his businesses, his legacy at DOGE remains a polarizing chapter in Trump’s administration.
