The “Special One,” Elon Musk, concluded his 138-day tenure as a “special government employee” in the Oval Office, leaving behind the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and its unfulfilled promise of $2 trillion in savings. Despite President Trump’s public accolades, Musk’s departure was marked by widespread disillusionment and questions about his effectiveness.
President Trump, in an unusual display, made the briefing primarily about Musk, praising him as an unparalleled innovator and business leader. This presidential endorsement, however, stood in stark contrast to the reported decline in Musk’s public popularity and the adverse impact on his company, Tesla, both attributed to his controversial and often confrontational approach to government.
The departure was further complicated by unaddressed reports from a major news outlet, alleging drug use by Musk and his criticism of a new tax bill. While Trump swiftly dismissed the source as “fake news,” Musk conspicuously avoided any direct denial or comment, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved controversy surrounding his time in Washington.
A visible black eye on Musk’s face became a curious focal point, which he casually attributed to playful roughhousing with his five-year-old son. This seemingly innocuous explanation became a poignant visual metaphor for the reputational damage and public backlash Musk had endured during his brief, impactful, yet ultimately unsuccessful foray into the heart of the administration. His final, broad critique of the left reinforced his polarizing image.