What's next for DOGE after Elon Musk's exit? Donald Trump gives major update
Donald Trump provided an update after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expressed his intention to take an exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
US President Donald Trump provided an update after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expressed his intention to take an exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the agency which is being headed by him as a special government employee.

A special government a classification for temporary federal employees who are only expected to perform their duties for 130 days in a year.
Speaking to Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Thursday, Musk said that he expects to finish reducing $1 trillion in federal spending “within that time frame,” which is by the end of May, as DOGE has specified.
Earlier, Musk addressed a crowd in Wisconsin and mentioned that it is “costing” him a lot to head the DOGE. “What they're trying to do is put massive pressure on me, and Tesla, I guess, to stop doing this. My Tesla stock and the stock of everyone who holds Tesla has gone in half. It's a big deal.”
Here's what Trump said about Musk's plans
During a press conference in Oval Office on Monday, Trump was asked if DOGE will continue to work without Musk.
“Well, I can't tell you that,” the President stated, adding that several people working with DOGE are the secretaries, the heads of the several agencies. “And they have learned a lot.”
He further informed that they are speaking with the DOGE workers. “I think some of them may try and keep the DOGE people with them, but you know, at a certain point, I think it will end.”
Elon Musk faces backlash
Meanwhile, several netizens reacted to Trump's remarks, with one X user writing on X, “They’re called the DOGE People. No one knows where they came from. No one knows what they want, but they work closely with the Secretaries… and they’re watching the agencies.”
“so it was pointless,” another said in reference to the creation of DOGE.
A third user mocked Trump's statement , saying: “Translation: I’ll have to ask Elon”
Musk and DOGE have drawn severe criticism for their strategy of cutting the federal government staff, which includes completely eliminating several agencies that have received congressional approval.
ABOUT THE AUTHORShweta KukretiShweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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