Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his role as a special government employee leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative aimed at reducing federal spending. His 130-day tenure concluded this week, during which he oversaw aggressive cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of over 260,000 federal jobs and approximately $175 billion in spending reductions—significantly below his initial $2 trillion target.

Musk's departure follows public criticism of the administration's substantial spending bill, which he felt conflicted with DOGE's mission. Despite stepping down, Musk expressed confidence that DOGE's objectives would persist, likening his role to that of the Buddha—initiating a movement that continues independently.

While Musk plans to refocus on his business ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, he is expected to maintain an advisory role within the Trump administration. The future leadership of DOGE remains uncertain, with speculation about potential successors.

Musk's tenure at DOGE was marked by controversy, including legal challenges and public scrutiny over the impact of his cost-cutting measures on various federal institutions. As he returns to the private sector, the long-term effects of his government involvement and the future of DOGE remain subjects of public interest.