DOGE 'on track' to cut $1 TRILLION from federal spending by mid-2026

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk held a press conference live from the Oval Office on Friday after it was announced that Musk was leaving his temporary position with the agency and going back to work on his companies full time. The president congratulated the tech entrepreneur for his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) where he served as a special government employee. Musk said that DOGE was on track to cut $1 trillion by mid-2026.

While speaking to reporters, Musk said that the official ending of DOGE is in mid-2026, and added, "We do expect to achieve over time the trillion dollars of savings," but that it can't be done in a few months, and added that "with the support of the president and Congress, could we achieve a trillion dollars of savings? I think so. We're on track to do so,” he said in reference to the mid-2026 deadline.

Musk and Trump both emphasized that while Musk's time as a formal special government employee is sunsetting, DOGE's mission and staff will keep going. Additionally, Musk said that he would keep advising the president as a friend.

Trump also committed that the Trump administration is "committed to making the DOGE cuts permanent" in law, adding that some of the cuts will be working into the "One Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Trump touted Musk's work, and said that as the richest man in the world Musk "did not need this," referring to how Musk has worked for the government, without pay, in order to cut spending as well as waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.

"He's one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced. He stepped forward to put his very great talents into the service of our nation, and we appreciate it," Trump said. "Elon has worked tirelessly, helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations."

Trump said that Musk's "service to America has been without comparison in modern history," and added that he "willingly accepted the outrageous abuse and slandered lies and attacks because he does love our country."