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Elon Musk’s claim that he is stepping back from his role in the Trump administration’s DOGE initiative has triggered mixed reactions among federal workers, many of whom say his influence has already left a lasting mark on government operations.
Speaking on a Tesla earnings call, Musk said he plans to refocus on his business interests now that “the major work of establishing DOGE is complete.”
While he remains a special government employee, a role legally limited to 130 working days per year in the administration, his hands-on involvement with workforce reductions and internal processes has sparked ongoing concern across multiple agencies.
Federal employees from departments including the IRS, Office of Personnel Management, and Department of Agriculture expressed doubt that Musk’s retreat would result in meaningful change.
“My reaction is, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it,’” said an IRS programmer, adding that Musk’s influence feels too deeply embedded to simply disappear altogether.
Musk’s internal directives caused disruption and anxiety
Among the more despised policies introduced by Musk was his weekly “What did you do last week?” email mandated by DOGE since February. Intended to track output across departments, the requirement has been met with confusion and irritation by some staff who feel it offers little value.
A Social Security Administration employee described the exercise as “10 minutes wasted,” while another IRS worker said they submit nearly the same update each week.
Even more contentious has been the perception that Musk’s office played a role in mass layoffs under the guise of performance management.
One Department of Agriculture employee, who supports government cost-cutting in principle, criticised the execution: “There is a methodical way to downsize… the way Musk and his team have handled and are continuing to handle the situation is harmful to federal workers, harmful to American institutions, and ultimately harmful to the American public.”
Employees also raised alarms about DOGE’s reported access to sensitive government databases and personnel records, further fuelling uncertainty around Musk’s influence.
Lasting legacy despite Musk’s reduced visibility
While Musk now says he will only spend a day or two each week on government matters “as long as it is useful” to President Trump, workers remain sceptical.
Some described his public exit as “PR spin,” while others fear the systems and policies shaped during his tenure will remain in place regardless of his formal status.
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“I believe the richest man in the world has hacked his way into the most powerful government in the world,” said one IRS employee. “There is nobody to stop him from keeping that access, even if he looks ‘gone’ on paper.”
His involvement in the DOGE shake-up has undoubtedly been the cause of sharp declines in Tesla’s performance, with Q1 earnings per share down 71% year over year. News of Musk’s potential retreat from White House activity appeared to reassure investors, lifting Tesla’s stock more than 5% in after-hours trading.
For some in government, the shift may bring a measure of relief. “Hopefully, it gives us a little breathing room,” said a Department of Defense employee. “At the very least, maybe we won’t have to send those emails anymore.”
The continued upheaval, the loss of vital roles and in some cases whole departments, has created a gordian knot for HR execs who are struggling to maintain service levels, staffing levels, morale and the increased pressure of their own roles.
Kevin Epley