Elon Musk leaving Trump administration, Internet says ‘Anyway, DOGE was a failure’

By Admin

29 May, 2025

Elon Musk Exits the Trump-Led DOGE: A Polarizing Farewell

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his role as a Special Government Employee within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a temporary post he accepted under Donald Trump’s administration earlier this year. The announcement came via a post on X, where Musk thanked Trump and expressed his belief that DOGE could’ve become a “way of life throughout government.”

DOGE, formed in early 2025, was Trump’s high-profile initiative to cut governmental waste, increase digital transparency, and streamline federal services. Musk, known for his leadership at Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, was tapped for this special designation — allowing him to serve up to 130 days per year. His term, coinciding with Trump's return to office on January 20, was due to expire by the end of May.

Musk Claims Big Wins, Critics Call Them Questionable

In his parting remarks, Musk touted DOGE’s reported success in cutting down $160 billion in federal spending — including scrapping 269 contracts worth over $255 million and digitizing the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s outdated retirement system. DOGE also oversaw cleanup efforts in Social Security records and supported voter integrity programs.

However, the glow of these achievements was dimmed by widespread criticism. Analysts and watchdogs have flagged concerns about $135 billion in estimated lost productivity, legal disputes, and disruptions in essential services during the restructuring process. Additionally, accusations of conflicts of interest and political motivations followed Musk throughout his short tenure, contributing to a divided public opinion — with 54% of Americans reportedly viewing him unfavourably.

Grok’s Humorous Take: "DOGE’s True Impact Is Debated"

As expected, the internet lit up with reactions — both sarcastic and sincere. One user turned to Grok, the AI chatbot launched by Musk’s own xAI in 2023, asking it to summarize his accomplishments. In its trademark witty tone, Grok replied:

“The true impact of DOGE remains debated amid ongoing scrutiny.”

Grok listed Musk’s fiscal savings, digital reforms, and policy alignments, but didn’t shy away from the negatives either — citing significant tradeoffs, mounting legal challenges, and blurred lines between public service and private interest.

Internet Reacts: Memes, Praise, and Criticism Flood X

The online community had a field day. While some hailed Musk’s efforts to “rescue free speech” and even suggested he deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom, others were less forgiving. Comments ranged from skeptical to scathing:

• “What was achieved other than Elon breaking things and leaving them broken?”
  
  

• “This has damaged your brand beyond anything you can imagine.”
  
  

• “DOGE has been a failed endeavour. Whether it’s family, business or public, it’s hard to cut the money strings after you have started them.”
  
  

The final verdict? For every voice praising his disruptive innovation, there was another lamenting the chaos he left in his wake.

Conclusion: Musk’s Legacy at DOGE – Reform or Rebrand?

As Elon Musk moves on from his brief but headline-grabbing government role, the legacy of DOGE remains hotly contested. Supporters view him as a necessary disruptor, a man willing to challenge the inefficient status quo. Critics, however, see him as an outsider who meddled, made noise, and left without fixing what was broken.