Musk Steps Down as DOGE Head, Plans Continued Focus on Efficiency Initiatives

Elon Musk announced he will step back from leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to concentrate more on his companies, but emphasized that DOGE will continue its operations as long as President Trump desires. Musk likened DOGE to Buddhism, suggesting it is a 'way of life' that does not require his constant leadership, and indicated the organization could persist past its original 2026 end date. Despite Musk's claims that DOGE has reduced federal spending by $160 billion, multiple sources note this figure is likely exaggerated and falls far short of his initial $2 trillion savings goal. Musk acknowledged that achieving even $1 trillion in savings will be difficult, citing significant resistance and legal challenges, including lawsuits and pushback over DOGE's aggressive budget cuts. His tenure at DOGE has sparked widespread protests, legal battles, and even vandalism against Tesla, highlighting the divisive impact of his policies. Nonetheless, Musk maintains that DOGE has established a sustainable system for ongoing government efficiency reforms.