In April, Elon Musk began distancing himself from his position as leader of DOGE. By June, he was effectively absent from DC. In his absence, he created a power void and considerable resentment that has seemingly resulted in the dissolution of DOGE eight months prior to the expiration of its charter.
Describing Musk’s time in DC as controversial would be an understatement. A man used to obtaining what he desires and operating as a strong executive, he barreled through Washington like a figurative chainsaw, cutting budgets, terminating employees, and executing bold power maneuvers. Musk’s impudent actions infuriated government staffers and alienated potential allies, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Ultimately, the animosity peaked, resulting in a brief physical confrontation with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Politico outlines the shocking repercussions. By late May, DOGE and Musk had fallen out of favor with President Trump, and aides within the White House began to resist more aggressively against the nascent government entity. When Musk was formally given a send-off by the White House on May 30th, it also dismissed his close associate, Steve Davis.
However, Davis, an engineer who had collaborated closely with Musk for over 20 years, including his time at DOGE, flatly refused to depart. He attempted to step in and seize control, but this was not well received by many of the remaining DOGE employees. Yet, some continued to show loyalty, effectively dividing the department into two factions.
When those dissatisfied with Davis’ leadership, as he was no longer a government employee, sought to plan for DOGE’s future in his absence, Davis accused them of attempting a coup. The White House swiftly purged his loyalists, swiftly terminating Davis’ short-lived attempt to consolidate authority in under two weeks.
What ensued was a sequence of reorganizations, leadership changes, and ultimately, the disbandment of DOGE as a unified body. When Reuters reached out to the White House prior to the end of the month for an update regarding DOGE’s status, it was told, “that does not exist.”
Musk entered Washington with grand plans to reduce government spending by trillions of dollars. Instead, during his short stint in DC, government expenditure actually grew, and he left a trail of burnt bridges.
