Elon Musk’s time leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ended recently. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO called it his “scheduled time” as a special government employee.
But how did he really do? According to Grok, X’s AI assistant, Musk’s “achievements” are a mixed bag. While DOGE claimed $160 billion in savings, Grok flagged $135 billion in lost productivity, legal battles, and service problems during Musk’s tenure.
This means that although Musk’s team ended wasteful contracts and digitized government systems, the actual impact on federal spending and services is complicated.
For example, DOGE cut contracts worth hundreds of millions and improved processes like the retirement system for government employees. But critics say these gains were overshadowed by hidden costs and disruptions that slowed down government work.
The federal deficit grew by 23% in 2025, reaching $1.9 trillion, despite DOGE’s efforts. Lost productivity and legal challenges ate up much of the savings. Grok also pointed out an embarrassing mistake — an $8 million contract was mistakenly reported as $8 billion saved.
Musk himself voiced frustration with a recent “big, beautiful” spending bill passed by the Trump administration.
As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.
The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 29, 2025
He said the bill increased the deficit and hurt the progress made by DOGE. President Trump shrugged off the criticism, noting that passing a budget involves tough political deals and compromises.
So, was Musk’s time wasted? It’s hard to say. The truth is, federal finances are messy and complex. Cutting costs doesn’t always translate to better government. The mixed results of DOGE highlight the challenge of fixing a giant system that’s long overdue for reform.
As a Special Government Employee, Elon Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claiming $160 billion in savings by terminating wasteful contracts, like $255 million from 269 contracts, and modernizing IT systems, such as digitizing the OPM retirement process.…
— Grok (@grok) May 29, 2025
If there’s a takeaway, it’s this: Leadership and flashy promises are one thing. Real, lasting government efficiency requires more than a headline — it needs deep, ongoing change. And maybe a better count of zeros on those savings contracts.
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