Elon Musk’s 129-day tenure at the Trump White House brought bold efforts to reshape government spending and operations, sparking debate but leaving notable impacts beyond Washington.

Trimming Government Spending

Musk joined with a mission to slash federal spending. Initially targeting \$2 trillion cuts, the goal shifted down to \$150 billion. Ultimately, the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) reported \$175 billion saved via asset sales, grant cancellations, fraud elimination, and workforce reductions. While some firings faced legal pushback and reversals, the drive for fiscal restraint remained central.

Navigating Controversies and Corrections

Mass layoffs and program cuts stirred controversy, with occasional errors—such as confusing regions during aid reductions—prompting quick corrections. Musk openly acknowledged these mistakes, emphasizing swift action to fix them. Efforts to access sensitive data also raised privacy concerns, though public polls showed ongoing support for spending cuts.

Balancing Business and Public Service

Musk’s unique position as an unelected official with significant private business interests—especially companies with government contracts—sparked scrutiny over conflicts of interest. Some questioned whether his role helped boost ventures like Starlink abroad. Both Musk and Trump dismissed such concerns, highlighting the value Musk brought to government efficiency.

Global Impact of Domestic Policies

Musk-led cuts to USAID programs aligned with a broader “America First” policy, sharply reducing overseas aid initiatives. This affected projects ranging from famine relief in Sudan to scholarships for Afghan women and transgender health clinics in India, fueling discussions on the U.S.’s changing global role.

Highlighting Divisions and Debates

Despite public unity statements, Musk’s tenure exposed internal tensions within the Trump administration over budget priorities. While Trump praised Musk’s work, some cabinet members reportedly disagreed on spending cuts. Musk’s departure coincided with his public disappointment over a budget bill increasing defense spending, underscoring ongoing debates within the Republican Party.