Despite DOGE's work facing criticism and lawsuits, Musk has continued to defend its mission. He has said he plans to reduce the time he spends on DOGE and dedicate more energy to his companies, as Tesla's profits have plunged more than 70 percent since the start of the year.

Elon Musk also said the informal government department could run through to the end of Trump's term in 2028, two years longer than initially expected.

Elon Musk might soon be leaving Washington, but he says DOGE needs to be a long-term project. Musk insisted in a TV interview that the project to slash government spending and eliminate entire agencies ought to endure amid signs that he may soon step away from the effort and return to his struggling electric car company.