Elon Musk Exits Government After Partial $175B DOGE Budget Cuts Amid Social Security Strain

Elon Musk is stepping away from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leaving behind a mixed legacy of significant but incomplete government budget cuts. While DOGE has reportedly saved approximately $175 billion through various measures, this figure falls short of Musk's original $2 trillion savings goal, hindered by legal challenges, congressional approval requirements, and agency resistance. Musk has continued to promise long-term waste and fraud reductions potentially reaching $1 trillion, expressing confidence in the ongoing impact of DOGE despite stepping down. Critics and experts note that the initiative faced intense opposition and lawsuits, limiting its ability to implement deeper cuts, with some viewing the overall effort as ineffective or counterproductive, potentially increasing federal deficit spending. Musk's departure also coincides with operational challenges at agencies like the Social Security Administration, which now faces greater demand amid staffing reductions. The political and media response reflects skepticism about the sustainability and effectiveness of Musk's government efficiency push as he returns full-time to his private ventures.