DOGE Shutdown: Did the Clash Between Trump and Musk Doom the Department?

The Rise and Fall of DOGE

Back when Trump signed an executive order on 20 January 2025 to establish DOGE, it was a historic political change in the US. Moreover, the new unit was intended to modernise federal technology, streamline software and IT systems, and slash regulatory waste. Furthermore, immediately following its creation, DOGE was promoted as the centrepiece of Trump's agenda to shrink and sharpen government. What added curiosity to the story was Musk's involvement. The tech giant, already a close ally of Trump in many respects, was tapped as the public face of DOGE and openly promoted the cost cutting mission. At a February event, Musk reportedly wielded a chainsaw above his head declaring it is the 'chainsaw for bureaucracy.'

However, despite the fanfare DOGE began to dampen down. And by mid 2025 it was quietly disbanding as per reports, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed that DOGE 'doesn't exist' as a centralized entity. Moreover, its hiring freeze was lifted and its claimed savings were not verified. So it seems, much of its mission was folded back into existing government structures, and the public visibility of the unit dropped drastically.

Many factors likely contributed to DOGE's early demise. Firstly, the initiative lacked transparency as per some reports, as although the agency claimed to have saved tens of billions of dollars, outside experts could not verify those savings.

Secondly, the internal mandate was highly aggressive, aiming for rapid job cuts and budget slashes which was a politically risky and operationally demanding approach. Thirdly, perhaps most important, was the alleged friction between Trump and Musk as a high visibility figure managing a politically sensitive reform was a dynamic ripe for disruption.

Trump-Musk Tensions and the Impact on DOGE

The relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has always been complicated. At one point Musk was a supporter of Trump's 2024 campaign and even described himself as the president's 'first buddy.' But by June 2025, that alliance reportedly soured. Musk publicly criticised Trump's legislative agenda, especially the so called 'Big Beautiful Bill' and reportedly said that Trump's victory had depended on Musk's support. Then Trump responded with threats to cancel federal contracts held by Musk's companies. And the standoff culminated in Musk apparently stepping down from his role with DOGE in May and leaving Washington as per sources.

Now given that Musk had been the visible leader of DOGE, his departure and the breakdown in his relationship with Trump likely had serious repercussions for the department. Internal coordination, trust, and the political capital needed to drive such sweeping reforms were probably eroded. Furthermore, the political environment that supported DOGE's rapid, risky agenda began to crack as per reports.

Still, by November 2025 the two appeared to be thawing their feud as Musk attended a White House dinner with Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and publicly thanked Trump for 'all he has done for America and the world.'

The alleged reconciliation, however, comes after DOGE had already effectively ended. Thus, while the Trump-Musk rift may not be the sole reason DOGE collapsed, it probably contributed to the loss of momentum and visibility.