SpaceX CEO and the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) presented his final report and update regarding the organization and its mission, as he prepares to resign from his role after 130 days of service. During a special press conference conducted in conjunction with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Musk disclosed his expectations for the agency’s future.
He reaffirmed his conviction that DOGE will, “over time,” fulfill its objective of eliminating a trillion dollars in unnecessary expenditures within the federal government.
While acting as a “special government employee,” Musk was responsible for implementing significant reductions in the federal workforce to curtail spending. Initially, the Tesla CEO anticipated that DOGE would be capable of cutting $2 trillion from the budget, but later revised this figure to $1 trillion.
As reported by CNN, he also adjusted the total to $150 billion for the current fiscal year during a Cabinet meeting that took place in April 2025. Reflecting on his tenure as the leader of DOGE, he remarked that identifying cuts requires “a lot of hard work.”
“It’s just a lot of work going through the vast expenses of the federal government and just really asking questions,” he articulated during the press conference.
The billionaire further stated that he intends to maintain an ongoing role, albeit as an adviser, offering support to President Donald Trump as required.
“I anticipate continuing to offer counsel whenever the president seeks my advice,” Musk elaborated in response to a reporter’s inquiry regarding his future involvement.
Trump replied, “I hope so.”
“I foresee myself remaining a friend and an adviser, and certainly, if there is anything the president wishes for me to undertake, I am at the president’s service,” Musk added.
The primary objectives of DOGE encompass the enhancement of operational efficiency within the federal government and the reduction of superfluous expenditures. While Musk served as the head of the agency, it successfully terminated over 10,000 contracts, 15,000 grants, and nearly 500 leases, culminating in a total savings of $172 billion.
Among its achievements is a program that conducted an audit of unused government-issued credit cards across 32 agencies. This initiative resulted in the deactivation of 523,000 cards.
DOGE has encountered significant scrutiny, and its assertive tactics have provoked criticism from both liberals and some conservatives. Critics have claimed that the agency has frequently exceeded its authority, particularly regarding mass layoffs and the dismantling of federal agencies.
Musk’s departure from the position has prompted speculation among Americans regarding potential successors. One name that has emerged is Russell Vought. Nevertheless, there are those who doubt the agency’s effectiveness without Musk’s leadership.
