Latest news with #USDepartmentofGovernmentEfficiency
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
X factor: The rise and fall of Elon Musk as a political figure
Elon Musk has officially resigned from the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Although his role was only temporary and departure was not surprising, it follows his criticism of President Donald Trump's tax bill. The 'Big Beautiful Bill' would not improve America's finances, he said, and will undermine his efforts to cut back on unnecessary government spending. Was there a clear divide between Trump and Musk? Only seven months ago, at his victory speech on 6 November, Trump spent four minutes praising Musk. 'A star is born—Elon!" said Trump. Musk had invested nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in Trump's campaign, which could explain his influence on the Trump administration. It was possibly the most astute investment Musk ever made. He oversaw Trump's DOGE and also shaped a far-right discourse both domestically and internationally. Also Read: Electric debacle: Tesla's troubles started before Musk wore the MAGA cap Musk attempted to involve himself in several European political issues—in Germany and the UK especially. In February, Time magazine portrayed Musk as 'President Musk." Its cover illustration showed him seated at the Resolute Desk in the White House. However, it is evident that Musk has now drifted to the margins of Trump's world. 'Elon is from South Africa—I don't want to get Elon involved," Trump told his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, during a discussion at the White House recently. On 19 May, an analysis titled 'Why has Elon Musk vanished from the spotlight?' was published by Politico, which noted that Trump was posting messages about Musk on his Truth Social platform at an average of four times a week in February and March, but stopped doing so in April. Musk was included in nearly daily fund-raising emails sent by Trump's campaign team. However, save for a single email in May, this abruptly stopped in early March. Trump's top advisors and official White House accounts also stopped posting photos and content mentioning Musk. Musk, whose business empire includes Tesla, SpaceX and X, seemed to have got the drift. Amid mounting investor worries, he announced a major reduction in political spending. This was a public indication of the billionaire turning his focus back to his businesses. Also Read: Tesla's slump: When social intelligence clashes with artificial intelligence The main source of Musk's fortune, Tesla, has lost sales globally and suffered severe brand damage as a result of his political activities. His expressions of support for the far-right anti-immigration AfD party in Germany, for example, were noted across Europe. Tesla's sales in Europe dropped 49% in April, indicating a backlash against him. Towards the end of that month, Tesla reported a 71% dip in profits. In a call with Tesla investors, Musk said that he would begin stepping back from his position at DOGE in May. In the US and abroad, Tesla dealerships have been the target of protests and vandalism. Musk's move to impose harsh employment and spending cuts within the federal government on behalf of the Trump administration was dubbed 'one of the greatest brand destructions" ever by Scott Galloway, professor of marketing at New York University's Stern School of Business. According to some surveys, most respondents disapproved of the way Musk and DOGE have handled federal government employees and slashed jobs. About 60% of respondents in a nationwide study conducted by Marquette University Law School last month had a negative opinion of Musk, while 38% had a positive opinion. The study found approval of Musk's DOGE handling at 41% and disapproval at 58%. Also Read: The US should stay away from gimmicks and tackle its real fiscal problem Musk may have recently met his political Waterloo in Wisconsin, where he contributed at least $3 million to making the Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign the most costly in US history. He even personally appeared in Green Bay sporting a cheese-head cap, a favourite among supporters of the Green Bay Packers, an American football team. But the Republican candidate he backed lost by a 10% margin. The Democrats mobilized people by calling it a 'People versus Musk' contest to highlight his intervention. Frankly, Musk's accountability has been non-existent, his loyalties seem inconsistent and his political intentions unclear. Trump might be well aware of this. Musk stood for six hours to shake hands with Democrat Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. In 2014, Musk described himself as 'somewhere in the middle, fiscally conservative and socially liberal." He even advocated that Trump 'hang up his hat and sail into sunset" in 2022, arguing that he was too old to seek re-election. But then he started to tilt Republican. Also Read: A trade arrangement that leaves out the US could trump Trump's tariffs Thus, it was perhaps inevitable that Trump would grow weary of Musk. Since the president is accustomed to generating all his popularity himself, it would be easy for him to assume he needs nobody's help on that count. Then there is also the matter of Musk's unpopularity, which Trump may not want rubbing off on his own standing. However, Musk will still hold billions of dollars once Trump's term is over, not to mention the power of his social media platform. In the political sphere, his legacy may be a handy list of what the ultra-rich should do and not do. Or maybe he has left America's business class a model that no one else would dare imitate. The author is professor of statistics at Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
Mint
2 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
News Wrap This Week: COVID-19 cases in India touch 3,700, Elon Musk exits DOGE, Bangladesh election, more
In the News Wrap This Week, we have US billionaire Elon Musk stepping down as the head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE); new developments related to Trump tariffs; mock drills conducted in parts of India under 'Operation Shield', India urging Bangladesh to hold 'inclusive, free, fair' polls; and rising COVID-19 cases. The Ministry of Health's data showed on Sunday that 363 more COVID-19 cases were reported across India in the last 24 hours, bringing the country's active cases tally to 3,758. Civil defence exercises or mock drills were conducted across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir under 'Operation Shield' on May 31. These exercises were last conducted across the nation on 7 May amid India-Pakistan tensions along the borders. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced his departure from the Trump administration early Thursday. In a post on X, the head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) said, '...my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end.' The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Delhi government completed its first 100 days of governance in the national capital on Saturday, May 31. On the occasion, the Delhi government released a 'workbook', highlighting important public welfare initiatives launched so far under Rekha Gupta's chief ministership. Bangladesh's chief advisor Muhammad Yunus has assured that the nationwide polls will take place between December 2025 and June 2026, even as political parties continue to pressure him to set a poll date. Amid the calls for Bangladesh elections, India urged the neighbouring country to hold an inclusive, free, and fair election at an early date to ascertain the people's will and mandate. US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the US Court of International Trade's order to block import tariffs was "so wrong" and "so political." The US President's statement came as a US trade court had this week blocked his "Liberation Day" import tariffs from going into effect. However, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington said it was pausing the lower court's ruling, and ordered the plaintiffs in the cases to respond by June 5 and the administration by June 9.. US President Donald Trump announced that he would double steel tariffs from 25% to 50%, from next week onwards, while promoting the partnership between Japan's Nippon Steel and US Steel. Taking to his Truth Social account, Trump wrote, 'It is my great honour to raise the Tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday, June 4th. Our steel and aluminum industries are coming back like never before. This will be yet another BIG jolt of great news for our wonderful steel and aluminum workers. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' Am video showing Brigitte Macron apparently shoving the French President Emmanuel Macron's face as they landed in Vietnam for their tour. In the video, French President Emmanuel Macron was seen standing in the vestibule adjoining the boarding gate, communicating with his wife Brigitte Macron, who was inside the cabin. As security officials open the gate, the President's wife's hand suddenly appeared from the doorway, which shoved his face away in a gesture that appeared to be an aggressive display.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk exits DOGE: Inside the chaotic end of Elon's $2 trillion government mission
Elon Musk DOGE Exit Elon Musk officially announced his departure from the Donald Trump administration on May 28, 2025 marking the end of his brief but headline-grabbing tenure as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency, better known as DOGE . Appointed as a 'Special Government Employee' with a limited 130-day term, Musk's presence in Washington was as disruptive as it was symbolic. Known for his tech empire and unconventional leadership, Musk entered federal bureaucracy with a promise to cut waste and revolutionize government operations. However, his tenure was marked by controversy, legal backlash, and limited measurable success. While Musk touted cost savings and sweeping reforms, critics pointed to chaos, layoffs, and a lack of strategic planning. Here's an in-depth look at Musk's turbulent time at DOGE, explores the consequences of his leadership, and unpacks what happens next for the agency and the Trump administration. The origin of DOGE and Elon Musk's appointment The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created under Donald Trump's 2025 re-election platform as a flagship initiative to 'streamline the deep state.' With an aim to eliminate bureaucratic redundancy and reduce federal spending, DOGE was positioned as a bold, controversial experiment. Elon Musk, already advising Trump on technological matters, was tapped to lead the department as a short-term 'Special Government Employee.' US ethics laws limit such roles to 130 days within a calendar year, meaning Musk's influence was always meant to be temporary. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A perfect start needs the perfect ride – Shine 125! Honda Learn More Undo His appointment drew immediate attention. While some saw it as a masterstroke—bringing Silicon Valley innovation to Washington—others feared the consequences of turning a complex federal bureaucracy over to a tech billionaire with no government experience. Elon Musk's vision: Trillions in savings and tech-led governance Upon assuming office on January 20, Musk declared an ambitious goal: to save $2 trillion in government spending. His strategy hinged on aggressive departmental audits, mass layoffs, AI integration, and shutting down what he described as 'obsolete bureaucracies.' He advocated for reducing manual processes, automating services, and redirecting funds to infrastructure, space research, and education. However, within weeks, it became evident that the realities of federal governance clashed with Musk's disruptive instincts. Lawsuits, inter-agency disputes, and limited legal authority hampered many of his initiatives. His savings targets were quietly revised—from $2 trillion to $1 trillion, and finally to $150 billion by the end of April. Elon Musk's DOGE days: A timeline of major events during his tenure Elon Musk's DOGE tenure was marked by fast-paced action, litigation, and frequent media controversies. Below is a chronological summary of key milestones: January–February 2025: Initial shockwaves Jan 20: Musk takes charge of DOGE. Feb 1: Treasury grants DOGE system access; USAID leadership placed on leave. Feb 3: DOGE investigates NPR and PBS for political bias; multiple lawsuits filed over data access. Feb 5–6: Reports reveal 40,000 federal employees retire voluntarily amid looming job cuts. Feb 11–14: Executive orders enable DOGE to initiate workforce reductions; over 5,000 layoffs ensue. Mid-February–March: Escalating controversy Feb 15–18: Environmental and health-focused agencies like the FDA and DHS face drastic cuts; Neuralink conflict of interest emerges. Feb 25–28: Court filings question Musk's formal role at DOGE; agencies offer severance incentives to reduce staff. Mar 1–14: IRS and HHS departments experience massive downsizing and voluntary resignations. Mar 26–28: DOGE shuts down the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS); court partially lifts injunctions on DOGE operations. April–May: Retreat and reflection Apr 3–22: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces partial rehiring of fired employees; Musk signals departure. Apr 30: Musk claims $160 billion saved—far below original estimates. May 2–9: Supreme Court petitioned to extend DOGE's authority; courts respond with injunctions against further layoffs. What Elon Musk achieved: Measurable savings and systemic disruption Despite failing to meet his original financial goals, Elon Musk did oversee significant reductions in government expenditure. According to an April 30 CNBC report, DOGE saved around $160 billion—largely through contract cancellations, department closures, and staff reductions. Additionally, Musk introduced experimental digital tracking systems to monitor employee productivity, though these tools remain under review for privacy violations. He also pushed for agency-wide integration of AI tools, advocating for performance-based metrics and digital workflows. DOGE reportedly consulted with Tesla engineers to optimize energy usage at federal sites, and SpaceX developers aided in creating encrypted communication platforms for inter-agency use. Elon Musk's DOGE backlash: Lawsuits, chaos, and policy breakdowns Musk's tenure wasn't without fierce resistance: Legal challenges : Over a dozen lawsuits were filed by unions, state governments, and civil rights groups contesting DOGE's legality, especially its access to personal and classified data. Transparency issues : Critics accused DOGE of operating in a 'black box' mode, with unclear chains of command and decision-making. Internal strife : Several departments reported low morale, mass retirements, and chaotic restructuring under Musk's leadership. Policy failures : Agencies like the Department of Education and USAID saw their operations stall due to unclear succession and lack of functional oversight. Elon Musk's exit and the uncertain future of DOGE Elon Musk's announcement on X confirmed what many had speculated for weeks—that his 130-day tenure was nearing its end. The White House acknowledged his departure and clarified that no formal successor had been appointed. Musk likened DOGE to 'Buddhism,' suggesting its mission transcended leadership. Trump, when asked about DOGE's future, offered vague support but no clear plan. Currently, DOGE lacks a formal head or defined roadmap. Some federal agencies have reportedly begun reinstating or rehiring employees laid off during Musk's term, while others remain in limbo. The Supreme Court is still weighing the broader legality of DOGE's authority. What Elon Musk's DOGE legacy means for governance Musk's foray into federal efficiency marks a watershed moment in the intersection of tech and politics. While his disruptive style yielded some savings and introduced novel technologies, it also revealed the challenges of importing private-sector efficiency models into public administration. Key takeaways include: Limits of tech solutions in government: Bureaucracy cannot always be optimized like a supply chain or algorithm. Public accountability vs. corporate secrecy: Government operations demand transparency—something Musk's private ventures often avoid. Need for clear legal frameworks: DOGE's existence revealed gaps in legal oversight when introducing short-term, high-impact roles in federal governance. Also read | Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang issues urgent AI warning AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Elon Musk exits Trump administration: Here's a look at his work at DOGE—tall $2 trillion cut promise, mass layoffs, more
Billionaire and world's richest person, Elon Musk, on May 28 announced he is exiting the Donald Trump-led administration, and leaving as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency, more commonly known as DOGE. '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 spendingm. The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government,' Elon Musk wrote on X. A White House official confirmed Elon Musk's departure to Reuters and said that the billionaire's 'off-boarding will begin tonight.' As chief of DOGE, Elon Musk was a 'special government employee' — people who join the US government for a short period of time to provide specialised expertise. As per US ethics laws, special government employees cannot serve for more than 130 days in a 365-day period. So, Elon Musk's role in the Donald Trump administration was always temporary, with a fixed term of 130 days — from January 20 to May 30. For US government employee's, Elon Musk's DOGE was an upheaval machine. The turbulent times saw thousands of layoffs, complete department shutdowns, and reams of litigation, as per an AP report. Despite the noise, the accomplishments were far few than Elon Musk may have hoped, it added. The report noted that the billionaire 'struggled' in the unfamiliar environment of Washington and increasingly expressed frustration about resistance to his goals. He also dramatically reduced his target for cutting spending — from $2 trillion to $1 trillion to $150 billion. There is no succession plan outlined at DOGE. In an earlier interview, Elon Musk joked: 'DOGE is a way of life, like Buddhism. Buddha isn't alive anymore. You wouldn't ask the question: 'Who would lead Buddhism?'' Answering reporters in April when asked about Elon Musk stepping back from DOGE to focus on his companies, Donald Trump did not have a concrete answer either. 'I can't tell you that. I will say this — a lot of the people working with DOGE are the secretaries, the heads of the various agencies, and they've learned a lot. And they're dealing with the DOGE people. I think some of them may try to keep the DOGE people… At a certain point, I think it will end,' Donald Trump had said. In an interview with the Washington Post ahead of the SpaceX launch on May 27 (which exploded), Elon Musk expressed frustration that DOGE, had become a scapegoat for criticism. 'DOGE is just becoming the whipping boy for everything. Whenever something goes wrong anywhere, we get blamed even if we have nothing to do with it,' he said. January 20: Elon Musk takes helm of the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE. February 1: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signs off on DOGE's access to Treasury payment system. February 1: Leaders at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Director for Security John Vorhees and Deputy Director for Security Brian McGill, put on leave. February 3: Politico reports that DOGE is scrutinising national broadcasters NPR and PBS for alleged 'liberal bias'. February 3: Multiple groups, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), sue the US Treasury for sharing confidential data with DOGE. February 4: New York Times (NYT) reports that Department of Education is under DOGE review, with Donald Trump wanting to completely shut it down. Februuary 5: NYT reported that all USAID employees were put on paid leave from February 7, 2025. February 5: Energy Secretary Chris Wright granted a DOGE rep access to the Department's IT system, CNN reported. February 6: Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that over 40,000 federal workers opt for voluntary retirement. February 7: Around 13 to 14 state attorneys general (mostly Democratic) file a lawsuit to stop DOGE's access to sensitive personal information. February 11, WSJ reports that Donald Trump signed an Executive Order giving DOGE more authority to reduce the size of the federal workforce. February 12: CNN reports that federal agency leaders have been directed to work with DOGE to prepare 'large-scale layoffs'. February 13: Reuters reports that the US' Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in now under DOGE scanner. February 14: DOGE lays off 1,200-2,000 workers at the Department of Energy, including employees at a power grid office; and 3,600 probationary Health and Human Services employees. February 15: Bloomberg reports that Department of Homeland Security get memo to immediately stop to work connected to climate change. February 17: Reuters reported that DOGE fired US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) employees who were reviewing Musk's brain implant company Neuralink. February 18: USA Today reports that in a court filing, the White House said Musk isn't in charge of DOGE ‒ nor does he even work for DOGE, but is an advisor to Donald Trump. February 25: AP reports that almost 40 per cent of the federal contracts cancelled under cost cutting, will not save any money. February 27: Politico reports that a federal judge has ordered Trump administration officials involved in DOGE to testify under oath in a lawsuit seeking to block DOGE's access to sensitive government data. February 28: USA Today reports that Department of Education's HR offered employees $25,000 to quit by March 3. March 1: Reuters reports that DOGE has fired civil servants who helped to build the IRS' free tax-filing service and revamp govt websites. March 8: CBS News reports that all employees in the HHS recieve voluntarily resignation offer for $25,000 payment, valid till March 14 to reply. March 26: Guardian reports that DOGE has hut down the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), an independent federal agency that works to prevent and resolve work stoppages and disputes in the public and private sector. March 28: AP reports a federal judge lifted an order blocking DOGE from further cuts at the USAID. April 3: HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, says 20 per cent of 10,000 employees fired by DOGE will be rehired, according to a CBS News report. April 22: Elon Musk says he is stepping back from DOGE to focus more on companies from May 2025. April 30: CNBC reports that Elon Musk said DOGE has saved taxpayers $160 billion — far less than his original projections. May 2: AP reports that Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for DOGE to access Social Security systems. May 9: CBS News reports that a judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out sweeping cuts and layoffs at over a dozen government agencies. (With inputs from Agencies) Key Takeaways Elon Musk's role in DOGE was temporary, limited to 130 days. Musk faced significant challenges in implementing his vision within the bureaucratic environment of Washington. Despite lofty goals, Musk's targets for spending cuts were significantly reduced during his tenure.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Residents blast Elon Musk's 'ugly' Tesla plan in Aussie suburb
Passionate residents in the south are pushing back against a plan to build a Tesla factory on a disused community reserve, with locals describing the proposal as "ugly", saying it would be a "planet-destroying temple to billionaires". In April, Marion Council, in Adelaide's southwest, proposed selling Chestnut Court Reserve for a Tesla battery factory, service centre, and showroom, citing the potential financial benefits. However, many residents strongly opposed the plan, sharing concerns over its controversial owner, Elon Musk and the loss of green space. The world's richest man, Musk has faced mounting backlash in recent months for his close involvement in the 2024 US election, his personal ties to President Donald Trump, and sweeping cuts to public services in his role as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency. Tesla factories and showrooms around the world have recently drawn hundreds of protesters opposing Elon Musk's political ventures — a scene Adelaide residents fear could be replicated if the proposed site goes ahead. While the Chestnut Court Reserve has remained closed since 2016 due to contamination stemming from historical industrial activity, some 90 per cent of nearly 1000 community consultation responses rejected the proposal. A total of 897 respondents voted against the project, while just 57 were in favour. Community members have created a website dubbed "Trees Not Teslas" to oppose the facility, stating that it could soon "bring protests to the area and give the community a bad image". Hundreds of Teslas in Aussie car park exposes grim truth for Musk Warning after Tesla footage shows 'stupid' act that can cop a $2,200 fine Tesla's Australian nightmare continues as EV sales tank again "Clearing this public land will mean removing 58 trees, including mature trees that help cool the neighbourhood and support biodiversity. Once they're gone, they're gone. Replacing these lost trees by replanting saplings does not offset the harm, and new sapling growth can't be guaranteed," the site read. "The ground contamination, which was exacerbated by previous manufacturing (including car manufacturing) in the area, is larger and more widespread than most realise. "Putting a factory on top of it will not help, and promises from private companies to clean and decontaminate public land are ahistorical. The government should, and can, commit to decontaminating the land itself." City of Marion councillor Sarah Luscombe is against the idea. She said council should look at alternatives. "If council wants to do more to activate the land, then it could be put out to open tender to more local companies who could innovate and do something with the land for conservation biodiversity (and) improve tree canopy," Ms Luscombe told The Adelaide Advertiser. The land is positioned in two areas owned by the state and council, with Tesla reportedly looking to purchase the whole area. The issue is set to be discussed at the next council meeting. Yahoo News has contacted the City of Marion for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
