Elon Musk has compared his eventual exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the lasting impact of Buddhism, indicating that the agency will flourish even without his ongoing leadership.
“Is Buddha needed for Buddhism?” Musk inquired during a press conference at the White House, referring to the department he currently heads.
“Was it not stronger after he passed away?” he further remarked, as reported by the Washington Post.
The billionaire entrepreneur shared these comments while addressing reporters to commemorate President Donald Trump’s 100th day in office. Musk’s official tenure as a special government employee leading DOGE is scheduled to conclude on May 30, though he noted he intends to stay engaged in an advisory role.
“I’m willing to contribute, on average, one to two days a week,” Musk said. “That probably means coming to DC every other week for three days or so — as long as the president wants me to.”
He clarified that his future involvement would be “at the discretion of the president.”
As he prepares to reduce his involvement, Musk stressed that the cost-cutting department will persist in its efforts.
“Everybody’s not leaving,” he said. “Some will stay on, some will not. So, it’s up to them. This is basically a volunteer organization.”
Musk portrayed DOGE as more than merely a federal program: “DOGE is kind of a way of life… we make converts all the time.”
The department, established to cut federal spending and optimize operations, currently has around 100 employees. Despite his changing role, Musk expressed optimism that its mission will continue.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
