Elon Musk’s stint in the federal government may have ended, but his impact appears far from over. On Friday, the Trump administration marked the close of Musk’s tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with a tribute video and a flurry of online accolades.
The White House shared a highlight reel across social media, chronicling Musk’s government journey from his dramatic endorsement of Donald Trump in July 2024, shortly after the then-presidential candidate survived an assassination attempt to his final moments in Washington. The video painted Musk not just as an advisor, but as a symbol of a new approach to governance.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2025RELATED STORIES
Formed in January, DOGE was Musk’s unconventional government experiment, aimed at slashing inefficiencies and overhauling bureaucratic waste. To honor the billionaire’s contributions, President Trump hosted a joint news conference on Friday, where he awarded Musk a symbolic “key to the White House.”
“Elon’s delivered a colossal change in the old ways of doing business in Washington… Elon Musk’s service to America has been without comparison in modern history,” Trump said, praising Musk’s sweeping impact on federal operations.
THANK YOU, ELON. ????????????????
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 30, 2025
"Elon's delivered a colossal change in the old ways of doing business in Washington… @ElonMusk's service to America has been without comparison in modern history." –President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/5OD1Cdaeqy
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The administration also released a list of “DOGE Wins” alongside its social media tribute. These included high-profile accomplishments such as eliminating over half a million active government credit cards and accounts, trimming fat from Social Security Administration records, and allegedly saving taxpayers $170 billion.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Trump’s praise, calling Musk’s government service both “selfless” and “patriotic.” He noted that DOGE had “dug through the bureaucracy and shined a light on MASSIVE waste, fraud, and abuse.”
“They have saved the American people BILLIONS of dollars, and are updating old and inefficient systems across the federal government — all while providing Republicans with a list of targets of pointless programs that Congressional action will address,” Johnson added.
READ ALSO: DOGE: Elon Musk begins exit from Trump-era government efficiency role
Thank you, @ElonMusk, for your selfless, patriotic service to our country.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) May 30, 2025
Elon and the @DOGE team dug through the bureaucracy and shined a light on MASSIVE waste, fraud, and abuse.
They have saved the American people BILLIONS of dollars, and are updating old and inefficient… pic.twitter.com/t3LOXzlyPM
While Musk’s departure has sparked speculation about the future of DOGE, both the White House and the billionaire himself suggest the department’s mission will continue.
Asked about DOGE’s long-term future, Musk reportedly offered an abstract but characteristic response, stating, “DOGE is a way of life, like Buddhism. You wouldn’t ask who would lead Buddhism. Is Buddha needed for Buddhism?”
Just days before leaving D.C., Musk posted on X that he planned to return to his usual pace: “spending 24/7 at work and sleeping in conference/server/factory rooms”, a sharp contrast to the Lincoln Bedroom, where he reportedly stayed during his time in Washington.
Still, Trump hinted that Musk’s involvement may not be entirely over. “It wasn’t really his last day,” the president said with a grin, “because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way.”
READ ALSO: ‘Disappointed’ Elon Musk criticizes Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” for ballooning deficit
