Billionaire Elon Musk left the Trump administration on 30/5/2025, ending his 130-day tenure as a "special government employee" leading the Government Performance Board (DOGE). DOGE, established on the day Trump took office, had two main tasks: streamlining the federal government and cutting waste.

Despite his departure, Musk still holds significant influence over DOGE. Many DOGE employees, who are allies of the Tesla CEO, want to preserve their achievements and authority. Meanwhile, some White House officials seek to sideline DOGE from the executive branch, as the relationship between Trump and Musk has deteriorated significantly, erupting into a public feud since 6/6.

This difference has created a confrontation, leaving DOGE divided and uncertain, according to sources. DOGE employees were asked about their loyalty to President Trump or Musk in internal meetings.

Elon Musk appears alongside US President Donald Trump at the White House on 30/5. Photo: AP

Elon Musk appears alongside US President Donald Trump at the White House on 30/5. Photo: AP

Musk's influence is evident through Steve Davis, considered his "right-hand man" at DOGE. Davis leads The Boring Company, Musk's infrastructure firm.

Although the White House announced Davis's departure from DOGE in late May, he reportedly maintains regular contact with agency staff via the Signal messaging app. Davis told some that reports of his resignation "were fabricated."

Musk also stays in touch with the DOGE team. In a 10/6 meeting, Musk and Davis told key DOGE personnel that the Tesla CEO continued to support their work, encouraging them to stay the course.

After its establishment, DOGE acted decisively, intervening deeply in government operations, cutting staff and budgets. However, it sparked controversy over its authority by dissolving agencies, accessing sensitive data, and triggering lawsuits.

While leading DOGE, Musk and his allies appointed members from SpaceX, Tesla, and X to federal positions. They aim to complete unfinished business and transition to "DOGE 2.0," focusing on overhauling government websites and IT systems rather than staff cuts.

Musk's supporters approached White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in late June, emphasizing that DOGE was finishing its "demolition phase" to begin "development mode."

"Susie listened, and no major decisions have been made," a White House official confirmed.

Steve Davis, considered Elon Musk's "right-hand man" at DOGE, at SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, California, in 7/2019. Photo: AFP

Steve Davis, considered Elon Musk's "right-hand man" at DOGE, at SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, California, in 7/2019. Photo: AFP

Meanwhile, administration officials express concern about trusting DOGE employees loyal to Musk within the federal government. Some believe Musk and Davis "may be maintaining 'tentacles' within the government to benefit their businesses."

The Trump administration has increased scrutiny of DOGE's operations and reversed some of its decisions.

Some DOGE staff are not at the General Services Administration headquarters but assigned to other federal agencies as special government employees, implementing DOGE directives internally. The White House now gives agency heads more control over these DOGE employees.

In June, Social Security Administration head Frank Bisignano sought White House guidance on this issue. The White House responded that agency heads could decide whether to retain or dismiss DOGE staff.

Besides White House obstacles, the pro-Musk group faces internal DOGE resistance.

DOGE officials worry that Davis, an outsider, may still access sensitive information through his agency contacts. Some, like Sam Corcos, a DOGE employee at the Treasury Department, raised concerns with White House officials. WSJ sources revealed Davis reacted angrily, calling for these officials' dismissal.

A Treasury spokesperson said Corcos continues working at the agency, helping implement the "IRS modernization plan, which American taxpayers deserve after three decades."

The relationship between Trump and Musk shows no signs of improvement, with Musk announcing a new "United America" party, upset with the Republican "beautiful act." Trump criticized Musk for being "totally off course" and said the new party would only bring "total disruption and chaos."

"Musk may have fun with that idea, but I think it's ridiculous," Trump commented.

President Trump warned on 1/7 that DOGE is a "monster that could come back to bite" Musk, referring to Tesla subsidies. "Musk is losing his electric car incentives. He's upset about a lot of things, but he could lose a lot more," the president said.

Nhu Tam (According to WSJ, Reuters, AFP)