Elon Musk’s time as the leader of his “patriotic, existential project” DOGE has come to an end, leaving behind a trail of controversy and chaos. Despite not achieving its goal of cutting $2 trillion from America’s debt, DOGE’s disruption within the federal government will have lasting effects.
Musk had acknowledged the toll DOGE took on his personal life, including a plummeting favorability rating among the public. The project was also criticized for mass layoffs, sweeping program cuts, and unprecedented access to Americans’ personal data. In Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election, Democrats painted Musk as a corrupt, unelected oligarch with eyes set on dismantling Social Security.
The end of DOGE marks a significant shift in how federal agencies operate, with some agencies even shutting down entirely. The project exposed seemingly frivolous examples of government spending and reinforced the view that Washington is bloated and inefficient. However, its credibility was repeatedly undermined by mistakes, duplications, and false assumptions uploaded and then quietly deleted.
Republicans have celebrated DOGE’s cuts to wasteful contracts and canceled leases, but its cuts to the IRS threaten to reverse any progress made on reducing the deficit. Analysts warn that Musk’s brand damage will not go away, and he remains a force in American politics despite his departure from DOGE.
President Trump has praised Musk, saying he loves the country and doesn’t need to do this. However, disgruntled Americans have sent Musk a message through business and political losses, using their wallets, votes, and voices to express their discontent. As Musk’s “special government employee” designation comes to an end, his legacy as a champion of reform remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/elon-musk-doge-legacy