Elon Musk’s Exit from DOGE: A Brief, Bold Stint in Government Reform

The tech mogul’s departure sparks debate over his legacy in streamlining federal spending.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for leading companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp, announced on May 28, 2025, that he will soon depart from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he was appointed to by President Donald Trump earlier this year. In a post on his social media platform X, Musk expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and signaled that his work with DOGE would leave a lasting impact, even as he prepares to return to his private-sector ventures. His departure marks the end of a brief but high-profile stint in government, characterized by ambitious goals, public controversies, and debates over the scope of his influence.

Musk’s role at DOGE began in January 2025, when Trump tapped him to lead efforts to streamline federal government operations and reduce wasteful spending. Designated as a “special government employee,” Musk was legally limited to serving 130 days in this capacity. The exact timeline of his tenure remains somewhat unclear. Official records indicate he began on February 3, which would place his contract’s expiration around June 13. However, if Musk started working as early as January 20, when DOGE was established, his tenure could conclude as soon as May 30. This ambiguity has not been clarified publicly, leaving room for speculation about the precise end date of his government service.