Among its biggest achievements? A crackdown on wasteful programs, including the cancellation of over 10,000 federal contracts, nearly 500 leases, and 15,000 federal grants—moves that reportedly saved the government $172 billion. Perhaps most eye-popping was DOGE’s forensic sweep of government-issued credit cards, which resulted in the deactivation of 523,000 unused cards across 32 agencies.
While Musk steps aside as the official head of DOGE, he assured reporters that he won’t be disappearing from the public policy space entirely. Instead, he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity to the president.
“I expect to continue to provide advice, whenever the president would like advice,” Musk said.
“I expect to remain a friend and an adviser and certainly, if there’s anything the president wants me to do, I’m at the president’s service,” he added.
Trump, standing beside him, didn’t hesitate to welcome the offer:
“I hope so.”
But not everyone has applauded DOGE’s aggressive tactics. Critics on both sides of the aisle have accused the agency of overreach, particularly in relation to sweeping layoffs and controversial shutdowns of federal initiatives. Some question whether the agency will survive Musk’s departure or collapse under political pressure.
Still, the momentum built during his tenure is hard to deny. DOGE’s track record of slashing inefficiencies has set a precedent for future budget hawks looking to take the scalpel to Washington’s spending addiction.
As for who might fill Musk’s shoes, one name drawing attention is Russell Vought, a known fiscal conservative and former Office of Management and Budget director. However, the void left by Musk—a billionaire with a fanatical public following and a no-nonsense approach to reform—may prove difficult to fill.
Whether DOGE thrives or fades, Musk’s brief but bold stint in government has sent a clear message: the era of unchecked bureaucracy is on notice.
And as Musk exits the federal spotlight, many Americans are left asking the same question—who will carry the torch next?
