[By Guancha Observer Network, Ruan Jiaqi]
On May 30th local time, the head of the United States Government Efficiency Department (DOGE), billionaire Musk, finally had his last day working at the White House. U.S. President Trump also held a press conference in the Oval Office to bid farewell to this close ally who had greatly assisted his election campaign, showering him with lavish praise during the event.
According to reports by Associated Press, CNBC, and other U.S. media outlets, Musk, dressed entirely in black, delivered a "farewell" speech at the press conference. He wore a black cap inscribed with "DOGE," and his T-shirt read "The Dogefather."
At the meeting, Musk looked back on his leadership of DOGE, reflecting on the challenges of cutting government spending. He also stated that his departure did not mean the end of DOGE's work; his team would continue to serve the Trump administration.
Musk said that over time, the DOGE team would only grow stronger. "This is not the end of DOGE, but a true beginning. Its work is permeating every corner of the government," he said.
Musk also revealed that in the future, he would continue to visit DOGE as a friend and advisor to President Trump. In response to reporters' questions, Musk said, "As long as the president needs it, I hope to continue providing advice."
"I hope so too," Trump interjected immediately, stating that Musk "won't really leave the U.S. government" and would "shuttle between enterprises and Washington." The work of DOGE will continue.
According to Trump, many DOGE employees will remain on staff, with almost all of Musk's employees staying on and being dispersed throughout the government.
Trump also praised the achievements of DOGE under Musk's leadership, referring to it as the most comprehensive and far-reaching government reform plan in generations, thanking Musk for his efforts during his tenure as a "special government employee."
He also promised that the government would strive to "permanently institutionalize" the policies of DOGE aimed at reducing government expenditures.
On Friday, Trump held a press conference at the White House to bid farewell to Musk. Video screenshot
The final press conference provided mutual dignity
According to the Financial Times, after expressing dissatisfaction with core parts of Trump's policy agenda, Musk, who was originally scheduled to leave next summer, ended his work in the Trump administration earlier than expected.
The report also mentioned that Musk's commercial companies suffered from what he called a "backlash" due to his association with the Trump administration. Under these circumstances, Musk now has no choice but to focus his energy on his own enterprises.
The British media summarized that within just four months, Musk was exposed for conflicts with several cabinet members of the Trump administration, including Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, as well as senior White House advisors. His public dispute with White House Trade Advisor Navarro even reached the headlines, forcing the White House to mediate. He also openly criticized the White House's trade policies and complained about the so-called "large and beautiful" tax reform bill strongly supported by Trump, which he claimed undermined the achievements of the DOGE team.
The New York Times pointed out that "in recent weeks, Musk has distanced himself from Trump on some key issues." The media also noted that in typical Trump fashion, this farewell press conference for Musk quickly turned into a personal news conference for Trump.
In front of Musk, Trump continued to vigorously promote his tariff policies. He said, "Tariffs are very important... without tariffs, our country would be in danger."
Trump reiterated that American automobile manufacturers like Tesla must produce complete vehicles and all components domestically rather than abroad.
Both overtly and covertly, this once closely allied pair seemed to show increasing differences and growing estrangement. However, at the final press conference, they still gave each other face.
According to The Hill, as part of the farewell ceremony, Trump handed Musk a wooden box containing a gold key adorned with the White House seal during the press conference, rewarding him for his service as a special government employee.
"Elon has made incredible contributions. No one can do what he does, enduring all kinds of attacks and accusations. It's unfortunate because he is an amazing patriot," Trump showed compassion, "as a gift to our country. Thank you, Elon, take care of yourself."
After receiving the gift, Musk turned to praise Trump's redesign of the Oval Office. "I love the golden ceiling," he said. Trump joked, "It's 24-karat gold."
"Thanks to the president, the Oval Office finally has the dignity it deserves," Musk continued.
Trump presented Musk with a golden key
Musk mocked The New York Times' "fake news" in return
Since joining forces with Trump last year and generously donating $250 million to support his election campaign, Musk has been mired in controversy. This departure is accompanied by numerous disputes.
Associated Press reported that Musk reaffirmed in his farewell speech that DOGE will continue to strive for its goal of cutting $1 trillion in federal spending. He added that DOGE "is expected to achieve this goal by the middle of next year."
However, data on the DOGE official website shows that as of April 20th, the department saved approximately $160 billion for the federal government, which is less than one-fifth of Musk's target.
Earlier reports by U.S. media also disclosed that despite massive layoffs, closures of agencies, reductions in contracts, and cuts in public services, government expenditures have increased compared to the same period last year since the current administration took office. According to an analysis by Yale University's Budget Lab of Treasury data cited by AP, the rate of government fund disbursement is even faster than in the previous two years.
"They are trying to achieve an impossible goal while constantly lowering the standards for success," Alex Nowrasteh, vice president of economic and social policy research at the libertarian Cato Institute, told AP. "A more professional DOGE team would not have made such unrealistic promises that they were bound to fail."
Grover Norquist, founder and chairman of the conservative group Americans for Tax Reform, held a more positive view of Musk's work. He believed that judging Musk's work should not only consider the total amount of savings but also focus on his ability to address problems.
Norquist used an analogy, saying, "When you find a problem, you don't know how far the 'cancer' has spread; you just discover a cancer cell."
He also proposed that Congress should take over the baton next and establish a permanent mechanism to continue Musk's work. "In the next five to ten years, people will see this as a significant and far-reaching initiative," he said.
A minor incident occurred during the press conference that day. Shortly before Musk's departure, a report by The New York Times detailed Musk's alleged heavy drug use during Trump's election campaign last year, stating that his drug use far exceeded occasional use.
According to CNBC reports, when Fox News reporter asked about the authenticity of the report at the press conference on Friday, Musk interrupted him mid-sentence to prevent him from finishing the question.
Standing beside Trump, Musk asked, "Is it The New York Times? The newspaper that won the Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on 'Russiagate'?"
"I think the judge just ruled that The New York Times lied in the 'Russiagate' case, and they may have to return the Pulitzer Prize money," he avoided the question, "Let's move on. Next question."
According to Agence France-Presse, Musk previously admitted to taking ketamine (a potent anesthetic) and implied that taking this medication was beneficial to his work, claiming that doctors prescribed it to treat his "negative emotions."
In a statement sent to NBC News, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended Musk, saying, "Few American CEOs would give up comfortable executive positions to work in the federal government. However, Elon Musk did, joining Trump's administration's effort to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse of power. In just four months, Elon has contributed more to American taxpayers than many career politicians—this fact often overlooked by traditional media."
However, this statement did not mention Musk's alleged drug use issues.
This article is an exclusive contribution by the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510434022875480626/
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