Overview

• Elon Musk is stepping back from his leadership role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to prioritize Tesla and SpaceX, leaving cabinet members to oversee the agency's operations.
• DOGE's aggressive cost-cutting measures, including mass layoffs and contract cancellations, have caused significant service disruptions at agencies such as the SSA, IRS, and USAID.
• Independent experts estimate DOGE has achieved only $5 billion in net savings, far below its initial $2 trillion target, while operational and legal costs could reach $135 billion.
• Over 80% of USAID's humanitarian programs have been halted, with most overseas offices slated for closure and thousands of employees laid off or reassigned.
• Critics highlight transparency issues, citing errors in DOGE's reported savings and concerns over its statutory authority and long-term impact on government efficiency.