Quick Read
- Elon Musk formally leaves his role in Trump’s administration after 130 days.
- He sported a black eye at the Oval Office, attributed to playful roughhousing with his son X.
- Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with cutting federal spending.
- Trump praised Musk’s contributions, but DOGE faced criticism for controversial policies.
- Musk will continue to advise Trump informally and visit the White House.
Elon Musk’s Exit from Trump Administration
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, officially stepped down from his position in Donald Trump’s administration on Friday. Musk had been serving as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a temporary advisory body aimed at slashing federal spending. His departure was marked by a press conference held in the Oval Office, where he appeared with a visibly bruised left eye.
The Story Behind Musk’s Black Eye
Speculation abounded about Musk’s injury, but the tech mogul quickly clarified the cause. “I was horsing around with my son X,” Musk explained, referring to his five-year-old son X Æ A-12. “I said, ‘Go ahead, punch me in the face,’ and he did. Turns out a five-year-old can punch harder than you’d expect.” Musk’s lighthearted explanation drew laughter from the room, including President Trump, who quipped, “X could do it. If you knew X, he could definitely do it.”
Trump Praises Musk’s Work with DOGE
During the press conference, Trump lauded Musk’s leadership of DOGE, calling him “one of the greatest innovators and patriots the world has ever produced.” DOGE was created to identify and eliminate wasteful government spending, and Musk claimed the department had already saved taxpayers $175 billion. However, critics, including a BBC analysis, have questioned the transparency and accuracy of these savings, with only $61.5 billion itemized and evidence available for just $32.5 billion.
Trump presented Musk with a golden key in a White House-branded box, symbolizing his contributions. “Elon gave an incredible service, and he had to go through the slings and arrows,” said Trump, hinting at media criticism Musk faced during his tenure. Musk, donning a DOGE-branded baseball cap and a T-shirt that read “The Dogefather,” emphasized that the work of DOGE would continue, stating, “This is not the end of DOGE, but the beginning.”
Controversies Surrounding DOGE
Musk’s tenure at DOGE was not without controversy. The department’s aggressive cost-cutting measures led to mass layoffs across federal agencies and the elimination of various USAID programs, which drew criticism both domestically and internationally. Among the cuts were projects supporting diversity initiatives, humanitarian aid, and even a children’s program in Uganda. These actions sparked protests and calls for boycotts of Musk’s companies, including Tesla, which reportedly experienced a decline in sales.
Musk also expressed frustration over DOGE being blamed for budget cuts unrelated to its operations. “We essentially became the ‘DOGE boogie man,’” he said. Despite these challenges, Musk remained optimistic about the department’s potential to achieve $1 trillion in savings by next year.
Musk’s Relationship with Trump
While Musk and Trump’s relationship has seen ups and downs, the two appeared to have reconciled in recent months. Trump referred to DOGE as Musk’s “baby” and suggested that Musk would continue to be involved informally. “He’s not really leaving,” Trump remarked. “He’s going to be back and forth.”
Musk’s political alignment has also evolved. Initially critical of Trump, Musk endorsed the former president after their reconciliation. Despite their differing stances on issues like electric vehicles, Trump commended Musk’s contributions, stating, “Elon, more than almost anybody I know, loves this country.”
What’s Next for Musk?
As Musk departs from DOGE, his future plans remain a topic of speculation. He confirmed that he would continue to serve as an informal adviser to Trump and visit the White House occasionally. Musk’s companies, Tesla and SpaceX, also face challenges, including declining sales and increased scrutiny over their operations.
The legacy of DOGE and its impact on federal spending will likely be debated for years to come. While Musk’s approach to governance has been polarizing, his stint in public service underscores his willingness to step outside the tech world and tackle broader societal challenges.
Elon Musk’s departure from the Trump administration marks the end of a controversial yet impactful chapter. As DOGE continues its work, the billionaire’s influence on government efficiency and innovation is likely to endure.
Source: Yahoo News, Bbc, The-sun, Timesofindia