Recently, globally renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk officially announced through his personal social media account that he will resign from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the end of May. As a "Special Government Employee" (SGE), Musk's service term at the White House was limited to no more than 130 days. This news quickly attracted global attention, not only because of Musk's significant influence in the business and technology sectors but also due to the profound impact and intense controversy brought about by the radical reforms he pushed through in just a few months.

The Birth of DOGE and Musk's Mission

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is a bold initiative proposed by Donald Trump during his second presidential term, aimed at reshaping the operational efficiency of the U.S. government by reducing the federal budget deficit, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and eliminating wasteful spending. On November 12, 2024, after Trump's election, he announced the appointment of Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to jointly lead this department. However, upon its official establishment, Musk became the sole leader and served as a senior advisor to the president in the capacity of a "Special Government Employee," rather than as a traditional department member.

The naming of DOGE reflects Musk's personal style, as its abbreviation aligns with "Dogecoin," a cryptocurrency he favors, showcasing his characteristic humor and disruptive approach. Upon his appointment, Musk promised to achieve a goal of reducing the federal deficit by $1 trillion in the short term and to cut total federal spending from the current approximately $6 trillion by 15%, or about $900 billion. This ambitious plan quickly propelled him to the center stage of U.S. political and economic reform.

According to a document signed by Joshua Fisher, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, on February 17, 2025, Musk's role was clearly defined as "advising the president and conveying presidential directives," rather than having direct decision-making authority. However, in practice, Musk demonstrated extraordinary influence. The DOGE team he led canceled $420 million worth of government contracts within just 80 hours and pushed for the layoffs of nearly 10,000 federal employees, while another 75,000 employees chose to leave after receiving August salary compensation. These actions sparked intense debate among supporters and opponents.

130 Days of Radical Reform: Achievements and Costs

Since officially taking office in January 2025, Musk has driven the operations of DOGE with his characteristic efficiency and decisiveness. In a Fox News interview on March 27, he stated that DOGE's mission is "the largest revolution since the American War of Independence," aiming to make the U.S. government "better." He claimed that by the time he resigns at the end of May, DOGE would achieve the milestone of reducing the deficit by $1 trillion through measures such as selling federal buildings and eliminating redundant positions.

So far, the reform achievements of DOGE are remarkable. According to public data, the department has canceled billions of dollars in inefficient contracts within a few months and optimized government procurement processes by introducing blockchain technology. However, the costs of these radical measures are also significant. On February 25, 21 federal technicians collectively resigned, stating in an open letter that they were unwilling to "weaken critical public services." Additionally, the American scientific community expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's cuts to research funding, leading to "Defend Science" protests in Washington and other locations on March 7.

Musk's reforms have also sparked legal challenges. Reports indicate that DOGE is facing at least three lawsuits questioning the legality of its layoffs and contract cancellations. Critics argue that as a "Special Government Employee," Musk's authority should be limited, yet his actual influence within DOGE far exceeded the boundaries of this role. The White House clarified on February 18 that Musk is not a formal employee of DOGE and does not have the authority to make government decisions directly, but this statement did not quell the controversy.

Musk's Exit: A Planned Farewell?

The timing of Musk's resignation announcement is not entirely surprising. According to the executive order establishing DOGE, its operational period was initially set at 18 months, but Musk's service as a "Special Government Employee" was limited to 130 days. Counting from his official start in mid-January 2025, the end of May is indeed close to this limit. In a statement on March 31, he indicated that resigning was part of the plan, and by then he would have achieved the set goals, subsequently "leaving Washington and parting ways with Trump."

However, the motives behind this decision have sparked much speculation. Supporters believe that Musk has fulfilled his promise, completing the impossible task with astonishing efficiency, earning him the title of "reform hero." He confidently stated in interviews that the results of DOGE would invigorate the U.S. economy while creating a more favorable policy environment for his business empire—Tesla, SpaceX, and X. The New York Times Chinese website reported on February 19 that Musk's reforms directly benefited his companies, such as paving the way for Tesla's expansion by cutting environmental regulations.

Critics, however, hold a different view. Political scientist Francis Fukuyama warned as early as November 2024 that Musk might use his political influence to secure personal business interests. He further commented in March that Musk, by controlling the X platform to disseminate his views, has become "Trump's right-hand man," resembling "an American Berlusconi"—an oligarch deeply merging business and politics. This perspective is supported by some facts: during his time at DOGE, Musk frequently made sharp criticisms of government waste and inefficiency, aligning closely with his consistent free-market ideology.

The Legacy of Reform and Future Uncertainty

Musk's departure does not signify the end of DOGE. According to sources, the department will continue to operate after his resignation, with other managers taking over and reporting to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. However, the loss of Musk as a central figure undoubtedly poses challenges for DOGE's future direction and execution.

For American society, Musk's 130 days of reform have left a complex legacy. On one hand, he challenged the long-standing inefficiencies of government from an entrepreneur's perspective, driving unprecedented cost reductions; on the other hand, his radical methods have led to negative effects such as weakened public services, employee attrition, and backlash from the scientific community. On March 25, the New York Times Chinese website noted that Musk's reforms could "disintegrate America's soft power," providing opportunities for other countries to fill the vacuum.

Conclusion: Musk's Next Stop

At the end of May, Musk will conclude his brief political career at the White House and return to the business and technology fields he is more familiar with. He did not disclose specific plans in his statement, but there is widespread speculation that he may devote more energy to SpaceX's Mars program, Tesla's global expansion, and the "universal application" vision for the X platform.

Regardless, Musk's 130 days at DOGE are destined to be recorded in history. This entrepreneur, known for his disruptive nature, has redefined the boundaries of government efficiency through a brief yet intense reform storm, adding a vivid chapter to his legendary life. However, the ultimate impact of this reform may take longer to assess.

This article represents the author's personal views and does not reflect the stance or views of this platform. This article is for informational sharing only and does not constitute any investment advice to anyone.

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