On Friday, President Donald Trump shared the spotlight in the Oval Office one last time with Elon Musk, acknowledging his efforts as a temporary government employee. Musk's mission to streamline the U.S. Administration concluded after 130 days, the legal limit for "special employees" since Trump's inauguration. The President wanted to ensure Musk's departure was well-recognized, avoiding any perception of an unceremonious exit, while also expressing gratitude for his contributions.

“Today, we’re here to talk about Elon,” Trump began at a joint press conference. “He’s one of the finest businessmen the world has seen, and we were fortunate he brought his immense talent to serve our nation. We appreciate him greatly. He has worked tirelessly, leading the most radical and impactful government reform program in generations.”

Seated behind the desk, Trump observed as Musk, standing, fielded reporters' questions. The scene echoed a prior Oval Office appearance in February, where they defended the initial steps of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Unlike before, Musk, the wealthiest man globally, did not bring his four-year-old son this time, having spent months enduring the fate of many who get too close to Trump's sun.

Given a golden key by the President, Musk wore his typical Washington ensemble: a cap emblazoned with "DOGE," a jacket, T-shirt, and pants, all in black. “I will remain a friend and advisor to the President, continue visiting this magnificent place, and collaborate [with the White House],” Musk stated, seemingly sporting a bruise on his right eye. “The work of DOGE doesn't end today; it begins,” he declared. Trump assured that the mission would be carried forward by Congress and “the brilliant young people who collaborated with Elon and will remain in their positions.”

Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE recruited around twenty young individuals, some barely adults, who accessed confidential information from various federal agencies to optimize operations and eliminate the “fraud, waste, and abuse” Republicans allege plagues the federal government. This led to the firing of tens of thousands of civil servants and subjected Washington to a strategy akin to Naomi Klein’s “shock doctrine,” impacting U.S. foreign policy with the closure of USAID.

Despite these efforts, they did not achieve the promised savings. During Trump’s campaign, to which Musk contributed a record $160 million, he pledged two trillion dollars in cuts, later settling for one. As Musk exits, estimates suggest $175 billion was saved.

The owner of SpaceX, Tesla, and social network X faced unexpected civic resistance to his role, manifesting in vandalism against Tesla dealerships and charging stations. His disregard for government workers and a mischievous sense of humor eventually affected his businesses, with Tesla investors, witnessing a 71% profit drop in the first quarter, prompting him to abandon political endeavors.

“He has endured outrageous abuse and slander because he loves our country,” Trump asserted in the Oval Office, reiterating his previous day’s argument that the U.S. is the "hottest country in the world right now," especially considering that “only six months ago it was a dead nation.” On Thursday, he used this line when a reporter asked about the Financial Times analyst’s insult calling him TACO, a jab at his tariff negotiation retreats, which didn’t amuse the President.

Last Wednesday, Musk announced his final departure from Washington in a message on X: “As my term as Special Government Employee ends, I thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce unnecessary spending. The @DOGE mission will strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the Government.”