Elon Musk Resigns as DOGE Head After Clashing With Trump Bill
Elon Musk has stepped down as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after a reported fallout with former President Donald Trump over the controversial “Big Beautiful Bill.” The Tesla CEO’s resignation was confirmed by the White House, marking the end of his four-month stint in a government role that sparked both intrigue and backlash.
In a post on X, Musk said, “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.” He further stated, “The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
Musk’s departure came just a day after he openly criticized the bill, saying, “A bill can be big, or it can be beautiful. But I don’t know if it can be both.” His remarks hinted at deep policy disagreements, especially on government expenditure, a key issue DOGE was created to address.
Earlier this month, Musk had already hinted at resigning. When asked who would lead DOGE next, he replied with a philosophical analogy: “DOGE is a way of life, like Buddhism. Is Buddha needed for Buddhism?” This reflects Musk’s belief that the reforms he initiated will outlive his leadership.
During his tenure, Musk implemented sweeping reforms aimed at eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies. He downsized departments, streamlined processes, and shut down redundant operations. However, the dual burden of managing his companies and a government position led to investor concerns. Tesla’s stock dropped by 15%, and reports of operational delays at SpaceX emerged.
Musk’s political involvement also triggered public protests across the U.S. and Europe. Critics questioned his influence in the administration despite not being an elected official. Pressure from stakeholders eventually led him to announce he would reduce political spending going forward.
As of now, it’s unclear who will replace Musk at DOGE. But according to him, the mission is meant to outlast any single leader. Whether DOGE will maintain its momentum or fade out remains to be seen.
