Late-night hosts reacted to Elon Musk's departure from his role in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency with a mix of humor and criticism. Musk, who had taken on the position with promises of sweeping budget cuts, exited with little to show for his efforts besides a symbolic “golden key” and a black eye he claims came from his son. Supporters argue Musk attempted to rein in government spending and disrupt bureaucracy. Critics, however, say his cuts were ineffective, his behavior erratic, and his time in office damaging to both public services and his own reputation.
See "Jon Stewart on Elon Musk: ‘Doge has finally rooted out one of America’s least efficient government workers’", The Guardian Staff, The Guardian, June 3, 2025