Musk Leaves Government Efficiency Department, "Downsizing Plan" Achieves Results Amid Controversy

On May 29, 2025, Elon Musk announced the end of his special government employee tenure in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after 130 days. It is reported that Musk did not have a formal conversation with President Trump before his departure, and the White House initiated the relevant departure procedures that evening. This reform experiment, dubbed the "Efficiency Revolution," although it cut a substantial amount of federal spending and reshaped the bureaucratic system, has also sparked widespread discussion due to legal controversies, conflicts of interest, and political backlash.

The Establishment of DOGE and the Role of Musk

On November 12, 2024, Trump announced the establishment of DOGE, appointing Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to jointly lead it, aiming to restructure federal agencies and cut spending. On January 20, 2025, Trump formally established DOGE through an executive order, with Musk assuming office as a special government employee, granted 130 days of government work authorization, endowed with broad budget review and agency restructuring powers.

Elon Musk's role is ambiguous and highly controversial. The White House defines him as a "senior advisor to the president," emphasizing that he has no direct decision-making power. However, Musk is deeply involved in budget cuts, personnel adjustments, and agency closures, far exceeding the scope of an advisor. He primarily issues directives through social media and internal memos, showcasing a highly autonomous style of operation. This special identity has raised questions about conflicts of interest, with critics arguing that Musk's business background may skew reforms in favor of private sector interests.

Main Strategies of Reform

Musk introduced corporate management concepts into the government, proposing three main strategies: reducing agencies, persuading civil servants to leave, and digital transformation. These measures have reshaped the federal government in the short term, but also triggered severe social and political backlash.

1. Agency Cuts: The United States Agency for International Development, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Education have been closed, resulting in the layoff of approximately 13,900 employees, with annual budget savings exceeding $30 billion.

2. Civil servant attrition plan: Send emails to 2 million federal employees encouraging voluntary resignation and requiring the submission of weekly work progress reports.

3. Introduction of artificial intelligence and big data analysis: Develop an AI-driven budget analysis system to identify a large number of "suspicious" expenditures and enhance funding transparency.

Reform Effectiveness and Political Impact

Musk's reforms have achieved significant results in the short term, bringing both fiscal and political dual benefits to the Trump administration. By April 2, 2025, DOGE has reduced federal spending by $130 billion, with the annual budget decreasing from $7.2 trillion to $6.1 trillion, and the deficit rate dropping by 1.8 percentage points. By eliminating inefficient projects, consolidating office spaces, and selling idle assets, DOGE has recovered over $72 billion in funds.

The reform also earned Trump political capital. Musk's actions have been framed by conservative media as a benchmark for "draining the swamp in Washington," leading to an increase in Trump's poll support in swing states. In addition, DOGE has revoked several "overreaching" regulations, simplified administrative procedures, and created a relaxed environment for certain businesses.

Legal Disputes and Social Backlash

Musk's radical reforms have sparked multiple challenges, exposing the contradiction between efficiency and fairness. The operation of DOGE has been accused of violating the Privacy Act and the Sunshine Government Act, facing several federal lawsuits. Some legal experts believe that DOGE was established without congressional authorization, which is unconstitutional.

Reform has also triggered backlash both inside and outside the government. Multiple departments refuse to implement certain policies, and cabinet officials complain that Musk has overstepped his responsibilities. Grassroots voters protest against the impact of layoffs on public services, and some lawmakers call for cautious reform due to pressure from their constituencies.

Musk did not withdraw funding from his company, raising questions about conflicts of interest. Critics argue that the deregulation policy of DOGE serves Musk's business empire. The promised "maximum transparency" has not been fully realized, with some actions not publicly recorded, and congressional oversight is limited, undermining the legitimacy of the reforms.

Heritage and Reflection

The DOGE plan is set to dissolve on July 4, 2026, and it remains uncertain whether its deficit reduction target of $1 trillion can be achieved. Although reforms have saved a significant amount of money and enhanced political capital, they have also led to a decline in the quality of certain services, damaging the international image of the United States. AI-driven budget analysis has increased efficiency, but privacy issues remain unresolved.

Elon Musk's "efficiency revolution" is a collision between corporate thinking and bureaucratic systems, achieving fiscal and political dividends in the short term, but its long-term stability is in question. This reform raises a central question: Can the government operate like a corporation? In the future, will DOGE's mission become the norm for government, or is it merely a fleeting storm? The answer will be revealed in 2026.