Elon Musk, preparing to step back from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency, held an unusual request during a press conference at the White House: he asked reporters to tell him a joke before answering questions. This quirk highlighted Musk's unique presence at the highest levels of American government, particularly during a time when his efforts to downsize the federal workforce have sparked backlash and protests, notably aimed at his electric vehicle company, Tesla.

Reflecting on the absurdity of his involvement with DOGE, Musk mused, "It's funny that we've got DOGE," questioning the surreal trajectory that led to his current position. While he defended the department's operations, Musk provided vague answers regarding his future plans for DOGE and the work that had been accomplished thus far. He admitted to being taken aback by the backlash he has faced, including public protests and reports of Tesla vehicles being vandalized.

Musk claimed that, despite the intense criticism, his administration has been effective, though not as efficient as desired. He noted that DOGE had aimed for $1 trillion in cuts but had only achieved approximately $160 billion, signaling that further reductions would be challenging. His remarks suggested an awareness of the political pushback against his methods, with lawsuits and resistance to DOGE's attempts to access sensitive government data, including Social Security information. The political landscape had become increasingly contentious, with Democrats launching a tracker to monitor federal funding blocked by DOGE.

While detailed examples of potential improvements were absent, Musk acknowledged that there were instances where government workers who were mistakenly let go were restored to their positions. During the briefing, he indicated that DOGE would continue its work but would experience some transition as he planned to reduce his involvement, moving to a more advisory role. He emphasized DOGE's mission includes cutting wasteful spending and addressing fraud, while maintaining a close working relationship with members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet.

Musk’s remarks also ventured into the realm of military strategy, advocating for increased funding for advanced military technologies such as hypersonic missiles and long-range drones. He briefly touched on technological improvements, referencing efforts to enhance the air traffic control system and streamline software in government operations. However, much of Musk's communication remained abstract, particularly regarding the department's future leadership and operational timelines.

When questioned about whether DOGE was on track to conclude its tasks by July 2026, Musk was non-committal, stating, "If the president wants us to stick to that date, we’ll stick to that date." He was unclear about the organization’s long-term structure and employee retention as it transitioned toward a volunteer-based model. While asserting that DOGE was not winding down, he expressed confidence that it would "gain momentum."

In discussing his work, Musk described the experience as akin to running a startup, a contrast to traditional bureaucratic functions. He indicated that he was scaling back his presence in Washington and devoting fewer days to DOGE as the operation stabilized. Musk also humorously noted the limitations imposed by his special government employee status, which caps his workdays within a specific timeframe.

In his reflections on the position, Musk acknowledged sleeping at the White House during his close collaboration with Trump, adding a personal touch to his time in office. He emphasized the learning experience during the initial phase of the administration, framing it as both intense and crucial for understanding the federal landscape.

As Musk prepared to leave his role, he stated that he would retain a small office in the West Wing and maintain a minimal presence. His remarks underscored the complexity of merging high-tech initiatives with government operations, while the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding his tenure at DOGE no doubt will continue to unfold in the months ahead.