Elon Musk Bids Farewell to White House, Vows to Remain Trump’s “Friend and Advisor”

Elon Musk has formally resigned from his position within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), closing the door on his time as the U.S. government's chief cost-cutter. President Donald Trump honored Musk in a departure ceremony in the Oval Office, crediting him with "colossal change" in Washington's bureaucratic workings. Though leaving his official post, Musk promised to remain in consultation with Trump regarding important issues.

 

Key Points

 

1. Musk's Exit and Trump's Praise

Trump welcomed Musk's initiative in cutting down government expenditure, awarding him a golden key to the White House.

 

Major federal program reductions were witnessed during Musk's time, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

 

Trump assured that Musk is "really not leaving", declaring that he will continue to be engaged in advisory capacities.

 

2. Musk's Legacy in Government Efficiency

Musk had originally intended to reduce $1-2 trillion of federal expenditure but later shifted the estimate to $150 billion.

 

The DOGE webpage asserts $175 billion of savings, although inconsistencies in data have been reported by the media.

 

Musk referred to DOGE as "a way of life", indicating a sustained role in government functioning.

 

3. Controversies and Public Speculation

Musk turned up at the farewell ceremony sporting a visible bruise under his right eye, which he explained as a result of "horsing around" with his son.

 

There were reports about Musk's reported ketamine use, but he brushed aside worries regarding his lifestyle. 

 

Trump's government came under attack for Musk's hyper-aggressive cost-cutting efforts, which resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs. 

 

4. Future Outlook and Political Influence

Musk guaranteed that he would scale back political contributions, even though he was Trump's largest donor for the previous campaign.

 

Analysts assume that the continuing advisory role of Musk can influence future policy-making.

 

Trump hoped his government efficiency plans by Musk would "gain traction" even after he left the White House.

 

Sources: MSN, The Hindu