Trump Administration Dissolves Elon Musk’s Federal Cost-Cutting Team
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has disbanded the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial initiative led by Elon Musk aimed at reducing federal expenditures. This decision comes months before the program’s scheduled conclusion.
Established by an executive order in January 2025, DOGE was tasked with identifying and eliminating wasteful spending across federal agencies. Musk, along with a team comprising individuals from his various enterprises, spearheaded efforts to streamline government operations. The initiative was initially slated to run for nearly two years.
Scott Kupor, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, confirmed the dissolution, stating that as of early November, DOGE doesn’t exist. Despite the disbandment, Kupor emphasized that the principles championed by DOGE—deregulation, elimination of fraud and waste, workforce restructuring, and prioritizing efficiency—remain integral to government operations.
Amy Gleason, who was appointed as the acting administrator of DOGE earlier this year, responded to the news by sharing a Doge meme on LinkedIn with the caption, I’m alive, suggesting that the ethos of the initiative persists.
During its tenure, DOGE claimed to have saved the federal government billions of dollars. However, critics argue that the initiative dismantled essential federal programs without delivering measurable savings. Notably, the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under DOGE’s directive has been linked to numerous global fatalities due to the cessation of humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
Additionally, DOGE faced scrutiny for accessing federal databases containing sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. Allegations of security lapses raised concerns about potential data breaches and misuse.
Elon Musk’s departure from DOGE earlier this year followed a public disagreement with President Trump. Reports suggest that several DOGE staffers are apprehensive about potential federal charges, especially in the absence of Musk’s influence, which might have previously secured presidential pardons if necessary.
Post-DOGE, some staff members have transitioned to roles within other federal departments, while others have exited government service entirely. Edward Coristine, a prominent figure within DOGE, announced his departure in June, stating he is officially out of the initiative.
