"Will Remain Friend, Adviser To Donald Trump": Elon Musk After Quitting As DOGE Chief

Elon Musk, who stepped down as the chief of the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE, meant to save "trillions" in American taxpayer dollars, identify fraudulent government schemes, and cut bureaucracy, has said that he will continue to remain a friend and adviser to President Trump even though his tenure has come to an end.

"It was always a limited-term assignment," said the tech billionaire, as he now aims to focus more on his businesses, which include the world's leading private Space firm SpaceX, the world's leading satellite-based internet service provider Starlink, leading social media platform X, and Tesla, which is among the world's most advanced e-vehicle maker.

'NOT AN END', SAYS THE DOGEFATHER

Elon Musk, who was wearing a blazer over a t-shirt that read 'The DOGE-Father' for the farewell press conference, spoke briefly after President Trump thanked him and showered praise on the work he has done. "What Elon has done for America hasn't been done in generations - his contributions are historic," the President said, describing his friendship with Musk as "truly special".

Describing his work at DOGE as "terrific", President Trump said, "This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way."

"This is not the end of DOGE, but really the beginning. My time as a special government appointee necessarily had to end at some point - it was always a limited-time thing. But the DOGE team will only grow stronger over time. Their influence (on governance) will only grow stronger. I will liken it to Buddhism - it's like a way of life, and I am confident that over time it will ensure a trillion dollars of saving for the government" Mr Musk said as part of his farewell speech, as he stood next to President Trump.

DOGE ACHIEVEMENT WITH MUSK AT HELM

Speaking about what the DOGE has achieved during his tenure as its chief, Elon Musk said, "The calculations of the DOGE team thus far (under Musk's leadership) for FY 2025-26 is over $160 billion in savings and climbing. We expect it to cross $200 billion very soon."

Mr Musk added that he will continue to visit and possibly monitor the progress DOGE is making in the times to come, adding that he will continue to remain a friend and adviser to the President whenever required. "The DOGE team is doing an incredible job, and they will continue to do an incredible job. I too will continue to visit here and be a friend and adviser to the President. I look forward to the time when I visit this amazing room (Oval Office) again."

When asked about how exactly he plans to be an adviser to Donald Trump, now that his term as a government official has ended, Mr Musk said, "I expect to continue to provide advice - whatever the President would like. Whenever there is something the President would like me do, I shall be available at the President's service".

WHEN THE GOING GOT TOUGH

But not all has been well at the efficiency department. Contrary to the figures given by Mr Musk today, in reality, the independent "Doge Tracker" site has counted just $12 billion in savings so far while the Atlantic magazine put it far lower, at $2 billion.

People in the government have not been very happy about the manner in which is department was being handled. Elon Musk's Silicon Valley-style "move fast and break things" mantra was at odds with some of his Washington colleagues.

Musk even clashed with other cabinet members and said in an interview earlier this week that he was "disappointed" in Donald Trump's recent mega tax and spending bill as it undermined DOGE's cuts.

At the same time, his companies were suffering too. Tesla shareholders called for him to return to work as sales slumped and protests targeted the electric vehicle maker, while Space X had a series of fiery rocket failures.