Trump to lead DOGE mission as Musk and efficiency department advisors depart
A White House official confirmed to Fox News on Thursday that multiple staffers and special government employees from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are departing, in addition to billionaire Elon Musk.
Musk has been leading DOGE since President Donald Trump took office in January. The department’s main goal was to cut $2 trillion from the federal government’s budget by reducing spending, eliminating government programs, and downsizing the federal workforce.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Musk announced his departure from DOGE, thanking President Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. He expressed confidence that the mission of DOGE would continue to strengthen over time as it became ingrained in government practices.
In addition to Musk, other key personnel such as advisor Steve Davis, spokesperson Katie Miller, and attorney James Burnham are also leaving their positions within DOGE.
With Musk’s exit, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters that President Trump and members of his Cabinet would now take charge of DOGE’s initiatives. According to Leavitt, the entire Cabinet is committed to cutting waste, fraud, and abuse from the government, and they will work closely with DOGE employees to ensure the mission continues.
Although DOGE’s original goal was to cut $2 trillion from the budget, the department managed to save approximately $175 billion through various cost-saving measures such as asset sales, contract cancellations, and reducing fraudulent payments. This translates to around $1,087 in savings per taxpayer, as highlighted on DOGE’s website.
A senior White House official emphasized that DOGE has become an integral part of the federal government’s operations and will continue to function as it did under Musk’s leadership.
Moving forward, the Congressional DOGE Caucus, which now boasts over 100 members including Elon Musk, will play a crucial role in shaping the department’s future endeavors. The legacy of DOGE, with its focus on efficiency and cost-cutting, is expected to endure under the guidance of President Trump and his Cabinet.
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