Elon Musk Steps Down from DOGE, Major Staffing Changes Announced by White House

Elon Musk Steps Down from DOGE, Major Staffing Changes Announced by White House

A White House official confirmed on Thursday that beyond billionaire Elon Musk, several other staff members and special government employees from the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, are leaving their posts.

Musk has led DOGE since President Donald Trump took office in January. The department’s primary mission involved cutting $2 trillion from the federal budget by reducing spending, trimming government programs, and streamlining the federal workforce.

On Wednesday, Musk announced his decision to depart from DOGE.

As he shared on X, Musk stated, “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

Leadership Changes at DOGE

In addition to Musk’s exit, other key figures such as advisor Steve Davis, spokesperson Katie Miller, and attorney James Burnham will also vacate their positions at DOGE, as confirmed by a White House spokesperson.

Following Musk’s departure, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters during a briefing, emphasizing that Trump and his Cabinet members will now oversee DOGE’s functions.

Leavitt stated, “The DOGE leaders are each and every member of the president’s cabinet and the president himself, who is wholeheartedly committed to cutting waste, fraud and abuse from our government.”

She added, “The entire Cabinet understands the need to cut government waste, fraud and abuse. Each Cabinet secretary at their respective agencies is committed to that. That’s why they were working hand in hand with Elon Musk. They will continue this collaboration with the DOGE employees who have been appointed as political appointees across these agencies.”

Leavitt reassured the public that the mission of DOGE will persist, explaining that many DOGE employees are now political appointees and integrated into the government.

Assessing DOGE’s Achievements

Initially tasked with achieving $2 trillion in budget cuts, DOGE reported about $175 billion in savings through various initiatives, including asset sales, contract cancellations, and fraud payment reductions, according to an update on DOGE’s official website.

This significant reduction translates to an average savings of approximately $1,087 per taxpayer, underscoring the financial impact of DOGE’s operations.

A senior White House official previously noted that DOGE has become ingrained in the federal government’s operations, ensuring its continued effectiveness even after Musk’s departure.

Looking Ahead for DOGE

The future of DOGE remains uncertain, but the commitment to its foundational mission appears unwavering. With the leadership now shared among Trump’s Cabinet members, there is confidence that the department’s objectives will stay on course.

Musk’s departure may bring new strategies and approaches, as the White House indicates that the commitment to efficiency and budget reduction will remain a priority. The evolution of DOGE may lead to innovative practices that further enhance government efficiency.

Final Thoughts

The transition period following Musk’s exit is critical for DOGE. As the department continues its efforts to streamline government spending, the collaboration between newly appointed political appointees and the Cabinet will be essential in driving efficiency.

While challenges persist, the leadership change presents an opportunity for revitalization. Observers will be keen to see how the White House navigates this staffing shakeup to maintain momentum in its fiscal responsibility initiatives.

As DOGE adapts to these changes, citizens can expect ongoing updates on its operations and achievements. The focus will remain on ensuring transparency and accountability as the department works to eliminate waste and bolster government effectiveness.

Fox News Digital’s Andrew Mark Murray and Diana Stancy contributed to this report.