Claim: Elon Musk has quit Donald Trump’s administration after disagreements over a tax-and-spending bill and has stepped down from his post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Fact Check Verdict: FALSE
What’s the claim? Viral social media posts and articles claim that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has quit his role in Donald Trump’s administration as the head of a U.S. government agency named the “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” due to a disagreement over a major budget bill.
Fact Check: No such department named the “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” exists in the United States federal government. There is no record in any official U.S. government publication, White House press release, or Congressional record confirming the creation of such a department. Additionally, Elon Musk has never held any official post in the Trump administration during either of Donald Trump’s presidential terms.
The claim appears to be a satirical or fictional narrative, likely referencing the cryptocurrency “Dogecoin” (abbreviated as DOGE), with which Musk has been associated publicly. The elaborate description of Musk’s supposed role in slashing federal workforce, shutting down USAID, and influencing Trump’s policy is fabricated.
Origin of the Claim: The claim seems to have originated from a fictional article circulated online mimicking the style of credible news reports. The format, quotes, and dramatic tone suggest it was created for entertainment or political satire purposes, not journalistic accuracy.
Conclusion: Elon Musk has not held a post as head of a fictional government agency named DOGE in Donald Trump’s administration. The claim is false and appears to be satirical in nature.