Musk's 129-Day Tenure: A Look at His Impact on the White House

In just 129 days, Elon Musk transformed the White House by spearheading efforts to drastically cut government spending, which sparked both praise and backlash from various sectors.

Elon Musk's tenure in the Trump administration has come to an end after 129 tumultuous days at the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as "Doge." The billionaire entrepreneur, who had vowed to slash government spending, made waves throughout Washington and beyond. This week, on Musk's final day, he expressed gratitude to President Trump in a message posted to the social media platform X. In a nod to Musk's influence, Trump announced he would host a press conference in the Oval Office, stating, "This may be his last day, but he will always be with us."

Initially aiming to save "at least $2 trillion," Musk adjusted his goal, eventually claiming $175 billion in savings through asset sales, cancellations, and systematic workforce reductions. However, critics noted that the administration’s approach often led to chaos, including judicial interventions against mass firings, and some cuts were even reversed. Musk's attempts to rectify mistakes in decision-making did little to quell controversies, particularly after a mix-up involving Mozambique and Gaza.

His affiliation with the Trump administration raised ethical concerns, mainly due to Musk’s vast business interests, especially with government contracts. Democratic lawmakers criticized him for allegedly using his government position to benefit his companies, such as SpaceX and Tesla. Incidents like showcasing Tesla vehicles on the White House lawn only intensified scrutiny.

Globally, Musk’s influence was felt most dramatically through steep cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development. Over 80% of USAID's programs were eliminated, sparking fears of diminished American soft power and reduced humanitarian assistance worldwide. Projects aiding communities in conflict regions were abruptly terminated amid shifting priorities within the Trump administration.

Musk's time in office also shone a spotlight on the spread of misinformation at high government levels. His propagation of baseless conspiracy theories, such as claims regarding U.S. gold reserves and alleged crises facing the Afrikaner population in South Africa, drew criticism for further blurring lines between fact and fiction in government discourse.

Despite Trump's public support, Musk's efforts exposed rifts among cabinet members, some of whom disagreed with the pervasive cuts. As reports of dissatisfaction inside the administration grew, Musk himself expressed disappointment in Trump’s expansive budget proposals, which he believed countered the budget-cutting objectives of Doge.

In his departure, Musk reiterated his commitment to the principles of Doge, signaling that, while he may leave the White House, his influence on government spending cuts may resonate far beyond his short-lived tenure.