讀後心得

According to reports from American media, billionaire Elon Musk will withdraw from the "Office of Government Efficiency" established by Trump and will only participate in a supportive role in the future. Although the White House has denied these reports, Musk himself has referred to them as "fake news." As a "special government employee," Musk has a limit on his working hours, and recent polls have shown that his controversy is gradually rising among the American public, with widespread opposition to his radical reform agenda. Additionally, while he has had a significant influence in the Trump administration, he is also facing criticism from within the Republican Party. The reform measures led by Musk, such as job cuts and organizational restructuring, claim to save substantial funding but have not been subjected to independent audits, posing inherent risks. Furthermore, Musk's political involvement has also affected Tesla's performance, leading to significant fluctuations in stock prices. Even if he leaves the government in the future, Musk may still remain active in the political arena.

According to reports from American media, billionaire, publicity expert, and government advisor Elon Musk is about to exit the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) established by Trump. Trump hinted at Musk's departure during a cabinet meeting, suggesting that Musk would play a more "supportive role" in the future. However, the White House has denied this news, stating that no official decision has been made, while Musk referred to it as "fake news." What is certain is that Musk's role has been limited from the beginning: as a "special government employee," he can only work for the government for a maximum of 130 days per year and does not need to adhere to stricter ethical standards or transparency obligations in the case of an exemption. However, there has not been any public evidence showing that he received this permission. By early June at the latest, Musk will reach this time limit, so his formal departure from the "Department of Government Efficiency" appears to be just a matter of time. Additionally, recent polling shows that Musk has become increasingly controversial among the American public, mainly because most oppose the radical reforms he is advocating.

On the surface, Musk and Trump seem to have a very close relationship, but in reality, there are undercurrents at play. Musk is not just an advisor; he has almost become Trump's "shadow figure." Among the few people around Trump, hardly anyone can compare. Trump publicly showcased Tesla's new model on the White House lawn, politically promoting the struggling company. However, behind this apparent mutual support, criticism within the Republican Party is growing stronger. The U.S. Secretary of State and former presidential advisors have criticized Musk's self-centered and overly flamboyant style. Nonetheless, many experts analyze that there has not been a rupture between Trump and Musk; the two continue to align on their fundamental direction and both wish to use radical means to diminish the power of the executive branch.

The "Department of Government Efficiency" is Trump's response to his campaign promise to "drain the Washington swamp." With the help of ally Musk, Trump seeks to implement radical reforms. In a short time, Musk has executed sweeping measures, including eliminating over 20,000 federal positions and providing voluntary departure compensation for 75,000 employees. Additionally, significant restructuring of major agencies is being planned, including placing the U.S. Postal Service under the management of the Department of Commerce. Among the most notable radical reform measures is the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Some key administrative processes are also rapidly advancing digital reforms, although the "Department of Government Efficiency" claims these reforms have saved over $100 billion in expenditures, this figure has not been independently audited, and investigations by several media outlets show significant discrepancies in the official data. One expert pointed out that although this approach is efficient and swift, it also poses the risk of bypassing traditional oversight mechanisms.

In addition to serving as a government advisor, Musk has also been active in political donations since Trump's election. He recently provided $20 million in funding for the Republican candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court but ultimately was unsuccessful, as the Democrats successfully mobilized voters, partly by using Musk as a counterpoint for negative publicity. Musk is gradually feeling the pressure that political participation brings, with Tesla's revenue declining by 13% in the first quarter. After news of Musk's imminent departure broke, Tesla's stock price quickly rebounded, indicating that his role in the government had become a significant burden for the company's operations.

Trump has repeatedly stated that even without Musk, the "Department of Government Efficiency" will continue to operate, downplaying Musk's importance and emphasizing that federal agencies are the core of cost savings. The future for Musk after his departure remains unclear; he may refocus on his businesses, but the possibility of continuing political involvement cannot be entirely ruled out. Some experts believe that Musk may remain active in politics because he is adept at navigating between liberals and conservatives. As a "disruptive reformer," Musk has left a deep mark on the American political landscape, shaking the core institutions of the nation and exacerbating political divisions. For Trump, Musk and his donations were once an important support force, but this alliance is currently showing signs of turning into a political burden.