Trump Bids Farewell to Musk After Groundbreaking Tenure
In a cordial meeting on Friday, President Donald Trump bid farewell to Elon Musk in the Oval Office, marking the end of Musk’s unique role in the government. Musk, who had been leading the Department of Government Efficiency, is returning to his focus on his successful companies, including Tesla and SpaceX.
During their meeting, Trump praised Musk for significantly changing the traditional ways of business in Washington. Musk, dressed in black and sporting a T-shirt that read “The Dogefather,” seemed pleased as Trump noted the various government contracts reduced during his time.
“I believe the DOGE team has done an amazing job,” Musk commented after receiving a ceremonial key from the president, expressing confidence that they would continue their impressive work.
Musk’s influence on the federal government was substantial, including the dismissal of numerous employees and cuts to several programs, notably affecting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Critics have pointed out that these cuts may have had dire consequences for many around the world, with estimates suggesting significant loss of life from such reductions.
In response to concerns about USAID’s funding, the State Department assured that most HIV programs are still operational while urging other countries to increase their humanitarian efforts.
Despite his ambitious promise to cut federal spending by up to $2 trillion, Musk later adjusted his expectations to $150 billion for this fiscal year. However, it remains uncertain if that target was met, as the claims on the DOGE website have been called into question for inaccuracies.
Musk mentioned a minor injury he sustained while playing with his young son, showcasing a lighter side during the farewell. Trump highlighted Musk’s monumental contribution to government reform, suggesting that Musk would continue to play a role, returning to oversee developments within the administration.
As the meeting closed, it became clear that the focus was shifting away from Musk, who had been a prominent figure in Washington. Recent conversations had him frequently answering questions while standing beside Trump.
Musk, recently one of Trump’s top donors, had announced he would reduce his political contributions moving forward. Trump concluded the day on a positive note, expressing support for Musk’s future endeavors and reaffirming his value to the administration.
Although Musk’s official role was intended to be temporary, he previously hinted at the possibility of working part-time with the administration if needed. He downplayed concerns about the future of DOGE, stating it could continue to thrive.
In closing, Trump expressed high regard for Musk, stating, “This will be his last day, but not really, because he will always be with us.”
