Trump Hails Musk's Contributions as Departure from Doge Unfolds

Elon Musk's exit from the White House's Doge initiative comes amid mixed reviews, with President Trump asserting that Musk will remain involved in government efficiency efforts.

In a news conference held in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump bid farewell to Elon Musk, who is stepping down from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency, colloquially known as Doge. Despite Musk's departure, Trump insisted that Musk would not be "really leaving," promising that he would continue to visit the White House and influence government initiatives. "It's his baby," Trump remarked about the impact of Musk's contributions.

Musk's time with Doge lasted 130 days after Trump reinstated him as a "special government employee," and his efforts to streamline government spending have sparked controversy. The Doge advisory body aims to cut unnecessary expenditures and reduce the national debt, currently standing at an alarming $36 trillion. While Musk claims the initiative saved approximately $175 billion by May, a BBC examination noted only $61.5 billion was accounted for with transparency regarding the savings remaining elusive.

Trump lauded Musk for pushing through significant reforms, stating, "He's going to be back and forth...I think he's going to be doing a lot of things." Musk reiterated Doge's commitment to relentlessly pursue reductions of up to $1 trillion. However, in recent interviews, he has expressed disappointment regarding the hefty tax breaks and expanded defense spending included in Trump's comprehensive financial legislation.

In a surprising twist, Musk addressed a rumor regarding his alleged substance use during the press conference. He redirected a reporter referencing a New York Times piece by mentioning ongoing defamation litigation involving Trump. In response to inquiries about a bruise he sustained, Musk humorously attributed his injury to a playful interaction with his five-year-old son.

As Musk exits the Doge initiative amidst scrutiny and praise, the future of government efficiency efforts remains uncertain, with Trump advocating for deeper cuts in both taxes and expenditures.