**Musk's Departure: A Controversial Legacy at the White House**

Musk's 129 days at the Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, showcased significant spending cuts, stirring both controversy and accolades, while raising questions about ethics and the future of U.S. foreign aid.

Elon Musk concluded his controversial 129-day tenure in the Trump administration with a remarkable but contentious legacy, having served at the Department of Government Efficiency, informally dubbed "Doge." His tenure was marked by an ambitious agenda aimed at slashing federal spending, which Musk initially pegged at $2 trillion but ultimately focused on a goal of $150 billion. To date, the Doge claims to have saved $175 billion through measures that included asset sales, lease cancellations, and a notable reduction in workforce numbers.

However, the results presented by Doge have drawn skepticism due to questionable data backing these claims. Musk's aggressive approach, including mass firings, was met with legal challenges. Some federal judges stepped in to halt the terminations and systematically reinstated workers; for instance, the National Nuclear Security Administration faced interruptions in cuts that would have affected personnel overseeing sensitive nuclear operations. Musk himself admitted that errors would occur in the execution of his aggressive policies, suggesting that the administration would act quickly to rectify any mistakes.

The blending of Musk's business interests with his role in government raised ethical concerns, particularly since his corporations, like SpaceX and Tesla, are significant recipients of government contracts. Critics alleged that this dual role could lead to conflicts of interest and there were claims Musk garnered international business advantages through his government position. Despite the mounting concerns, Musk and Trump dismissed these allegations.

Musk's influence extended globally, as a substantial review led to cutbacks affecting 80% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programs, aligning with the Trump administration's "America First" policy. This drastic reduction negatively impacted numerous international initiatives, including programs aimed at famine relief in Sudan and educational scholarships for Afghan women, leading some to interpret the cuts as a sign of diminishing U.S. influence abroad.

Additionally, Musk's impact on the White House has included the spread of misinformation that had been historically controversial. His promotion of unfounded conspiracy theories, including claims about U.S. gold reserves and unverified assertions regarding violence against Afrikaners in South Africa, amplified worries about the prevalence of misinformation in governmental rhetoric.

Musk’s departure also opened a window into internal tensions within the Trump administration. While Trump supported Musk’s initiatives, reports suggested discontent among cabinet members regarding the far-reaching effects of the budget cuts on their respective departments. Musk’s expressed disappointment in Trump’s evolving fiscal policies further highlighted fractures within the party and the Trump administration.

Though Musk’s formal term has concluded, he indicated the initiatives of Doge would persist, signaling ongoing debates about the future of government spending and U.S. foreign aid in light of his polarizing policies and practices.