Elon Musk’s decision to step back from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after 130 days in President Donald Trump’s new administration has triggered strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum on Capitol Hill.
Musk, the tech billionaire, has been a controversial figure in Washington, and his announcement earlier this week about his return to the private sector has only amplified those divisions. Republicans have largely lauded Musk’s efforts in DOGE, while Democrats have expressed relief at his departure.
Representative Aaron Bean, R-Fla., Chair of the House DOGE Caucus, praised Musk’s work, telling Fox News Digital, “Exposing reckless, wasteful government spending isn’t about one individual — it’s about a lasting overhaul of Crazy Town. That’s why we’re working closely with the White House to ensure recession packages reflect DOGE’s critical findings.” The White House has reportedly already begun working on this, preparing a $9.4 billion package of spending cuts expected to reach Congress on Tuesday, though Republicans like Bean suggest they will seek even more significant reductions.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., echoed this sentiment, stating that Musk “did a lot of what he came to do.” He added, “A lot of the savings that he identified are things hopefully that we’ll be able to incorporate into bills that Congress passes. The work that he did was really important. It’s long overdue.”
Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Chair of the Senate DOGE Caucus, expressed being “honored” to have worked with Musk but indicated that lawmakers should be capable of continuing the work of cutting government waste without his direct involvement. Representative Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla., went as far as to call Musk an “American hero” for his efforts. Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., even drew comparisons between Musk and the nation’s founding fathers, highlighting his “inventiveness” and “vision.”
In contrast, Democrats have voiced strong criticism. Representative Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., pointed out the contradiction between Republican praise for Musk and Musk’s own criticism of the House GOP’s recent tax and spending bill, which he said would significantly increase the deficit.
Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif., suggested that DOGE’s focus was misdirected, stating, “Initially, I said we should work with Musk to find common ground where there is real waste — like defense contractors, Medicare Advantage overpayments, and prescription drugs. It is sad that DOGE faced opposition in focusing on those issues, and that agencies like USAID and NIH are being dismantled.”
Other Democrats were even more direct in their disapproval. Representative Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, described Musk’s approach to government as akin to running one of his companies, involving firing people and cutting essential services, and called for an investigation into his work. House Progressive Caucus Chairman Greg Casar, D-Texas, went as far as to claim Musk’s departure as a “victory for Democrats and working people,” attributing it to political pressure. Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., asserted that “Musk failed others and served himself,” but acknowledged an “irony” in his failure, arguing that it reminded people of the importance of government.
White House spokesman Harrison Fields emphasized that DOGE remains “integral to the federal government’s operations” and that its mission will continue under agency and department heads. He lauded DOGE for delivering “remarkable results at an unprecedented pace.”
President Trump himself offered high praise for Musk at a joint press conference on Friday, commending his “service to America,” his innovative companies, and his willingness to endure “outrageous abuse and slander” because of his love for the country.
The reactions from Capitol Hill underscore the deeply partisan views surrounding Elon Musk’s involvement in government and the broader debate over federal spending and efficiency.
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