‘That’s a left hook black eye’: Elon Musk leaves White House with bruised face and $175 bn savings

Social media erupted with speculation as Elon Musk stunned reporters when he joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office with a black eye. The billionaire, wearing a “Dogefather” T-shirt and cap, joked that the “shiner” came from roughhousing with his five-year-old son, X Æ A-12. Musk said, “I said, ‘Go ahead, punch me in the face,’ and he did.” Celebrating the end of his 130-day tenure leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump awarded Musk a ceremonial key to the White House, praising his “historic” contributions. Though DOGE’s $175 billion in savings fell short of the promised $2 trillion, Republicans plan to apply the cuts to future budgets. Musk described the initiative as “like Buddhism—a way of life,” and Trump hinted at Musk’s continuing advisory role. Returning to helm Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, Musk leaves Washington with an elevated political profile and a vow to remain Trump’s ally.