Washington DC [US], May 31: US President Donald Trump lauded Tesla CEO Elon Musk for his role in spearheading sweeping government reforms as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In a press briefing at the Oval Office on Friday, Trump acknowledged Musk’s impactful tenure, calling his work “fantastic” and assuring that DOGE will remain operational beyond Musk’s official departure.
“Elon has worked tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reforms in generations,” Trump stated, adding that many DOGE employees will continue working, and Musk will remain a key advisor.
“Many of the DOGE people are staying behind, too, so they’re not leaving. Elon is really not leaving. He’s gonna be back and forth… I want to thank Elon for his time as a special government employee for coming and helping us,” Trump added.
The president also detailed several controversial contract terminations recommended by DOGE, aimed at curbing what he called “wasteful” spending. These include:
- $101 million for DEI contracts in the Department of Education
- $59 million for hotel accommodations for illegal immigrants in New York City
- $45 million for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) scholarships in Burma
- $42 million for social and behavioral programs in Uganda
- $40 million for migrant social and economic inclusion
- $8 million related to transgender research in mice
Musk, who officially stepped down as a “Special Government Employee” on Thursday, emphasized that the DOGE initiative is only just beginning.
“This is not the end of DOGE but really the beginning… The DOGE influence will grow stronger,” said Musk. He also affirmed his continued commitment to advising the administration, stating, “I expect to remain a friend and an adviser.”
Trump quickly affirmed Musk’s role, saying, “I hope so.”
Musk had previously criticized Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping spending bill, for contradicting DOGE’s cost-cutting mission. “I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but I don’t know if it can be both,” Musk commented.
Musk’s departure marks the end of his official stint in government, but his influence over the DOGE initiative and federal budget policy may continue to grow as the Trump administration pushes forward with its reform agenda.