Elon Musk's controversial government efficiency department has been officially dissolved with eight months still remaining on its original mandate, bringing a premature end to the tech billionaire's foray into US politics.
The Sudden Demise of DOGE
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was headed by Musk and created to streamline federal operations, officially ceased to exist in November 2025 despite having until July 4, 2026 to complete its work. The revelation came when Reuters questioned Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor about the department's status.
"That doesn't exist," Kupor stated bluntly, adding that DOGE is no longer operating as a "centralised entity." The confirmation follows months of signals that the department faced serious challenges, with much of its staff either transitioning to other government positions or leaving public service entirely.
Ambitious Goals and Political Tensions
When Musk initially took the helm at DOGE, he made bold promises to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget, though he later appeared to reduce that target by half. One of the department's most notable policies - a government-wide hiring freeze - has also been terminated, according to Kupor.
"There is no target around reductions anymore," the director clarified, signalling a complete reversal of DOGE's original mission.
The department's closure comes amid escalating tensions between Musk and President Donald Trump. Earlier this year, Trump threatened to either deport Musk or "put DOGE on him" after the Tesla CEO opposed the President's "Big, Beautiful Bill."
"We might have to put DOGE on Elon," Trump told reporters. "You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn't that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies. Elon's very upset that the EV mandate is going to be terminated."
Broader Political Implications
The dissolution of DOGE represents a significant setback for Musk's political ambitions. Following a public disagreement with Trump this spring, the billionaire announced plans to establish a new political group called the "America Party."
Musk has repeatedly argued that neither major political party adequately represents certain viewpoints and that a new party is necessary. However, the early termination of his flagship government project raises questions about his political influence.
As chief executive of both Tesla, America's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, and SpaceX, which holds substantial defence contracts, Musk remains a powerful figure in business and technology. But his government efficiency department has now joined the growing list of ambitious projects that failed to meet their initial objectives.
