Elon Musk Exits DOGE After Reaching 130-Day Limit

Elon Musk has officially announced his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency he co-founded during the Trump administration to address federal waste. Musk confirmed his exit on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. His departure was anticipated, as Special Government Employees are limited to 130 working days per year, a threshold he was expected to reach by May 30.

Musk's exit leaves DOGE without either of its original figureheads, as fellow billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, who co-led the agency, left in January. Despite claims of saving $175 billion through government cuts, DOGE has faced significant backlash over inflated figures and partisan clashes. Musk himself has criticized a recent spending surge, stating that it undermines the agency's mission.

Musk's involvement with DOGE has been part of a broader shift towards political activism, which has drawn criticism. His leadership coincided with various scandals and public rebukes, including lawsuits and criticism from figures such as Senator Elizabeth Warren. The agency's efforts have also been hindered by Trump’s recent spending spree, which Musk believes undermines DOGE’s mission.

Musk's political activities have had repercussions for his companies. Tesla, for instance, has faced plunging sales, employee unrest, and brand damage. Pension fund leaders have urged Tesla's board to rein in Musk’s extracurricular activities and demand greater focus on the EV company. Despite these challenges, Musk has indicated that he will continue to have ties to the Trump administration, retaining a small White House office and committing to “a day or two per week” of government work.

This week has seen new developments at Musk's companies. SpaceX successfully launched Starship Flight 9, which reached space before breaking apart, traveling further than the company's previous two attempts. Neuralink also raised $600 million at a $9 billion valuation. Additionally, X unveiled "X Money," a limited-access beta digital wallet linked to the platform, as part of a long-term push to create an all-in-one app.

Musk's departure from DOGE marks a significant shift in his political involvement, but he has signaled that he is not entirely stepping away from government work. His continued ties to the Trump administration and his commitment to limited government work suggest that he will remain engaged in political activities, albeit to a lesser extent. The future of DOGE, without its original figureheads, remains uncertain, but Musk's legacy at the agency will likely be remembered for its ambitious goals and the controversies that surrounded it.