Overview

• Musk stepped down upon reaching the 130-day limit for special government employees, ending his formal role leading the Department of Government Efficiency.
• The department reported about $160 billion in savings under Musk’s watch, a figure disputed by fact-checkers and researchers who warn reinstatement costs could erase most gains.
• Labor unions and Democrats protested DOGE’s tactics after thousands of federal workers were laid off and key programs were eliminated, while Musk bypassed senior White House staff.
• At the Oval Office farewell, Musk appeared with a black eye he attributed to a playful punch from his five-year-old son and declined to address recent allegations about his drug use.
• Trump praised Musk’s “colossal change” in Washington, confirmed he will remain a friend and adviser, and said the initiative will carry on under new leadership.