The White House had sought an emergency stay of an injunction issued by U.S. Judge Susan Illston of San Francisco in a lawsuit brought by labor unions and cities, including San Francisco and Chicago.

By Nandita BoseWASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that billionaire Elon Musk will remain a close adviser, even after the Tesla CEO departs the administration following a chaotic four-month tenure that saw him disrupt dozens of agencies in his effort to slash government spending.

Elon Musk once famously wielded a chainsaw on stage in a theatrical demonstration of his effort to drastically cut U.S. federal spending under President Donald Trump. As he leaves government, official data shows he achieved something closer to a trim with scissors.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday he canceled nearly $4 billion in project grants, in another massive blow to clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts in the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a new memo this week empowering the DOGE team at the Pentagon to provide more input on contracting.

The Finance Department previously contracted with the firm Boston Consulting Group to identify efficiencies in various state departments.

Musk’s expected departure from DOGE this spring might close one chapter, but the consequences of his involvement will linger,

"This initiative provided leaders and supervisors with additional insights into their employees' contributions, fostered accountability, and helped to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness throughout the Department,