The departure of Elon Musk poses significant challenges to the stability of the Trump administration's cabinet and the American governance system. On May 28, 2025, Musk ended his special term in the Trump government, marking an important indicator of cabinet stability during Trump's second term.

Musk, who entered the government as a tech leader, raised high expectations but left in just 130 days, prompting widespread scrutiny of the decision-making model within Trump's team, ultimately serving as a pressure test for the Cabinet.

The reform initiatives of the Department of Operational Governance Efficiency (DOGE) subtly reveal the challenges of introducing corporate management thinking into the political sphere. As a key reform project of Trump's new policy, DOGE aimed to streamline government structure and reduce waste, yet Musk faced significant legal and systemic resistance in implementing these reforms.

On policy matters, Musk and Trump displayed clear differences over the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," with Musk expressing concern that the bill could lead to an expanded deficit, undermining the fiscal discipline promoted by DOGE. His opposition to the bill during a CBS interview highlighted the policy rift between him and the Trump team.

The situation also highlighted internal friction with other cabinet heads during the reform process, revealing that the operation of the federal government relies heavily on negotiation and compromise, rather than direct execution.

This incident prompts us to reflect on the structural problems and institutional challenges facing the Trump cabinet. The future direction of reforms and the stability of the cabinet will continue to attract global attention.

In conclusion, Musk's departure signifies not just the end of an experiment in "technocratic governance" but also emphasizes the critical importance of institutional resilience and adaptability in today's volatile international landscape.