Elon Musk has purportedly stepped away from his government duties. It may seem as though the worst excesses of DOGE have passed, replaced by something closer to a stasis. While the image of DOGE most likely burned into your retina is that of Elon Musk wielding a literal chain saw, the theatrics belie an organization that has quietly permeated all corners of the federal government. Vought is the architect of Project 2025, the policy road map that DOGE has been following turn by turn. 5/29/25 9:45 AM EDT: This story has been updated with a post from Elon Musk.