U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed criticism from close ally Elon Musk about a $500 billion artificial intelligence project that Trump announced with great fanfare at the White House earlier this week.

The former Republican primary foe departs DOGE after his goal of trimming regulations was overtaken by Musk’s priority of cutting expenditures.

DOGE builds on the United States Digital Service, now rebranded as the U.S. DOGE Service. According to Trump's executive order, the newly rebranded department will cut red tape and streamline government IT systems. Per the EO, DOGE has roughly 18 months (July 4, 2026) to achieve the administration's goal.

Mr. Musk has turned to Silicon Valley to help recruit executives who will take up unofficial positions across the federal government.

President Donald Trump’s order establishing the “Department of Government Efficiency” aims to give billionaire Elon Musk’s team sweeping access to operations at federal agencies, revamping its structure after competing visions left one of its leaders seeking an exit.

Trump on Monday signed an executive order to create Elon Musk's DOGE, with a mandate to improve federal IT systems.