Elon Musk’s DOGE Exit Is Mostly Symbolic as Influence Remains

In a strikingly unusual press conference held in the White House Oval Office on May 30, 2025, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk addressed the public about Musk’s exit from his official role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Yet, both figures made it clear that Musk’s departure is more symbolic than substantive. Despite legal limits on his tenure as a Special Government Employee (SGE), Musk’s influence within the federal government remains intact through his appointees and ongoing advisory role.

Musk’s time as an SGE is capped at 130 days per year, but this limitation has done little to diminish his reach. President Trump openly acknowledged that many of Musk’s appointed officials remain embedded in government roles, ensuring that the DOGE agenda continues. Musk himself described his exit as “only the beginning,” signaling ongoing involvement as a friend and advisor to the president.

The press conference was marked by bizarre moments, including Musk’s revelation that his 5-year-old son punched him in the face, resulting in a black eye. Musk joked about the incident, though his behavior throughout the event—gazing into the distance, rolling his neck—raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about his well-being. Reports also surfaced about a physical altercation between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, adding to the intrigue.

Musk’s tenure at DOGE has been controversial. He has taken credit for canceling numerous government programs, including USAID initiatives, despite lacking legal authority to do so. These cuts have had severe humanitarian consequences, with researchers estimating that at least 300,000 people have died due to defunded public health services, and millions more may be affected in the future.

The press conference also highlighted the close ties between Musk and the Trump administration, including the presence of Katie Miller, wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who is leaving her government role to join Musk’s private ventures. The relationship between the Millers and Musk has been the subject of social media speculation and media commentary.

Musk’s public statements during the event included disparaging remarks about bureaucracy, which he called the “banal evil,” and attacks on the media, particularly the New York Times. These comments align with his broader pattern of controversial behavior and rhetoric, which has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Adding to the controversy, a New York Times report alleged that Musk has been using illicit drugs, including ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, while maintaining his federal security clearance through advance notice of drug tests. Musk has acknowledged ketamine use for depression treatment, but the report raises questions about dosage and frequency.

This entire episode underscores the complex and often troubling intersection of private tech influence and public governance. Musk’s role at DOGE exemplifies how billionaire entrepreneurs can wield outsized power in shaping government policy and public resources, sometimes with devastating consequences. As Musk steps back officially, his shadow looms large, raising critical questions about accountability and the future of government efficiency reforms.