Elon Musk has officially concluded his surprising stint as a Special Government Employee under President Donald Trump’s administration. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO had been appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at cutting federal waste, streamlining spending, and shrinking bureaucracy. His departure came just one day after he publicly criticized a major Republican-backed funding bill, calling it a setback to the cost-cutting mission he championed. Although Musk’s White House role was temporary — capped at 130 working days annually — the end of his tenure coincides with mounting political friction, both inside the administration and from public criticism. For 114 days, Musk was arguably the most unconventional figure in the federal government, making headlines not just for policy shifts but also for his bold, sometimes dramatic public appearances.

The DOGE Mission: Ambition Meets Realit

When Musk first joined the federal ranks, he envisioned DOGE as a revolutionary approach to government operations. He initially promised over $2 trillion in spending cuts by eliminating wasteful grants, downsizing departments, and even proposing AI automation in place of human jobs. However, by the time of his departure, DOGE had claimed only $175 billion in potential savings — a figure many experts question for lack of transparency and verification. While the initiative drew media buzz and MAGA praise, it failed to deliver the massive fiscal reforms Musk had outlined on the campaign trail with Trump. The DOGE website remains online, touting its claimed wins, but without Musk’s presence and influence, its future as a serious legislative force is uncertain. This mismatch between Musk’s ambition and the government’s operational reality serves as a cautionary tale of how Silicon Valley idealism often crashes into Washington bureaucracy.

Tensions Behind the Scenes and Political Fallout

Despite his closeness to Trump — often appearing beside him with his son and sporting MAGA gear — Musk’s tenure was far from harmonious. Tensions flared behind closed doors, with reports of shouting matches between Musk and other White House officials surfacing in the media. These internal conflicts became more visible as Musk took to his own platform, X (formerly Twitter), to vent frustrations — including criticism of Trump’s tariffs and spending decisions. The final straw appeared to be the new Republican funding bill, which not only ignored many of DOGE’s proposals but added $2.3 trillion to the deficit according to the Congressional Budget Office. Musk’s public disappointment may have soured the relationship, prompting a quiet but decisive exit. His open threat to fund challengers to anti-Trump Republicans also raised eyebrows within the party, drawing lines between financial influence and policymaking authority.

Impact on Musk’s Brand and Tesla’s Market Standing

Musk’s involvement in politics has had tangible consequences on his business image, especially Tesla. Once a symbol of innovation and green technology, Tesla has been caught in the political crossfire, suffering from boycotts, protests, and acts of vandalism at dealerships across several states. Analysts note that Tesla’s stock has dropped 11% this year, with the company’s public perception taking a major hit due to Musk’s polarizing political stance. His embrace of Trump, public display of partisanship, and aggressive cuts under DOGE have alienated many customers and stakeholders. The once-admired tech billionaire now finds himself at odds with sectors of the very public that once idolized him. His decision to “spend 24/7 at work and sleep in conference rooms” appears to be a retreat to familiar ground after a rough political ride.

What Comes Next: The Future of DOGE and Musk’s Political Path

Although Musk is stepping back from direct government involvement, he has suggested DOGE will continue in some form. Still, without his headline-grabbing presence, the initiative may struggle to gain traction or pass future legislation. The House is expected to introduce a rescissions bill that includes DOGE’s proposed cuts, but the likelihood of passage remains uncertain given the divided political landscape. Meanwhile, Musk has hinted that his political donations may decline unless a compelling reason emerges — signaling a potential withdrawal from high-stakes politics. Whether DOGE becomes a lasting part of Trump’s legacy or fizzles out without Musk’s charisma remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Elon Musk’s brief experiment in governance has left a complex legacy of ambition, disruption, and the sharp limits of corporate influence in political reform.

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Source : nbcnews.com