In a final public moment between former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, a ceremonial golden key presented to Musk during a recent farewell event has become the center of late-night comedy. Seth Meyers, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, took aim at Trump’s choice of parting gift, calling it a “classic Trump” move loaded with irony and humor.
The Farewell Gesture
On May 30, 2025, in the Oval Office, Donald Trump formally bid farewell to Elon Musk as Musk stepped down from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump lauded Musk’s efforts to trim government spending and improve efficiency, while emphasizing the symbolic value of Musk’s tenure. As a token of appreciation, Trump presented Musk with a large golden key enclosed in a wooden box bearing Trump’s signature.
Trump declared the gift was reserved for “very special people,” framing it as a significant honor. The golden key, traditionally a symbol of access or recognition, was meant to celebrate Musk’s time at DOGE, where he was tasked with ambitious goals to reduce federal spending and streamline government operations.
Musk’s Tenure at DOGE
Elon Musk’s time as head of the Department of Government Efficiency was marked by ambitious promises. The department aimed to reduce government expenditures by $2 trillion during his term, a bold target given the scale and complexity of federal spending.
According to official government reports, actual savings reported reached approximately $175 billion, though verified budget reductions — confirmed by independent audits — were closer to $19 billion. Despite falling short of initial projections, the effort marked a rare example of private-sector leadership in federal government management.
Seth Meyers Satirical Take
Seth Meyers, known for his sharp political commentary, used his platform on Late Night with Seth Meyers to poke fun at Trump’s farewell gesture. Meyers mocked the golden key as a symbolic yet superficial gift, highlighting how it exemplified Trump’s penchant for theatrical displays over substantive recognition.
Meyers joked that the key might not actually open any real doors but rather serve as a “golden ticket” to Trump’s exclusive golf courses or private events, emphasizing the self-promotional nature of the gift. This satirical interpretation drew laughter from audiences and highlighted the ongoing tension between Trump and Musk.
Meyers also noted the irony of Trump, who frequently criticized government inefficiency during his presidency, handing over a “government efficiency” project to Musk and then marking his exit with an ostentatious gift.
The Political and Public Reaction
The gift and subsequent satire quickly sparked discussions across social media and news outlets. Supporters of Trump hailed the gesture as a fitting farewell to a businessman who brought a fresh approach to federal operations. Critics argued the gift was emblematic of Trump’s style — flashy, symbolic, but lacking in deeper substance.
Some analysts suggested the golden key symbolized Trump’s continued interest in maintaining influence over prominent business figures, underscoring his unique approach to blending politics and celebrity.
Meanwhile, experts on government accountability have stressed the importance of evaluating actual outcomes over symbolic gestures. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) provides oversight on federal spending and has issued reports assessing the effectiveness of Musk’s tenure. For detailed analyses, the GAO’s official reports are available on gao.gov.
The Legacy of Musk’s Government Role
Elon Musk’s transition from leading a private business empire to overseeing a federal department was watched closely by industry leaders and government officials alike. His work in attempting to cut government waste and improve efficiency, while falling short of lofty goals, represents an unprecedented melding of Silicon Valley innovation with public administration.
Although Musk’s departure marks the end of this experiment, the impact of his leadership at DOGE will be studied as a case of public-private collaboration. The future leadership of the department and its strategies for government reform remain topics of interest as Congress debates budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal years.
