Musk Compares DOGE Departure to Buddhism Without Buddha

Elon Musk, preparing to scale back his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Washington, compared his leadership to the Buddha’s role in Buddhism, suggesting DOGE would thrive beyond his departure. Musk said DOGE is a 'way of life' and indicated he would continue to advise the federal cost-cutting initiative informally, spending about one to two days per week on government work as he pivots attention back to Tesla. Despite his official status as a special government employee expiring in late May, Musk affirmed his continued involvement would be at the president’s discretion and that the program’s future remains uncertain. While DOGE aimed to slash $2 trillion in federal spending, it has achieved $160 billion in cuts and reduced the federal workforce by about 1%, with critics labeling the changes chaotic. Musk maintained that the department would continue its mission with remaining staff, describing it as a largely volunteer-driven effort. He acknowledged the challenges and controversies surrounding his tenure, but expressed confidence that the cost-cutting ethos he championed would persist.