Off-boarding Begins
“Off-boarding will begin tonight,” a White House official said.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is officially leaving the Trump administration after a stormy stint as a special government employee. His exit follows a controversial effort to overhaul federal agencies and reduce government spending.
Quick Departure Without Direct Trump Meeting
Musk announced his departure via his social media platform, X, thanking President Trump. However, according to insiders, he did not have a formal exit conversation with the president. The decision was made at a senior staff level.
Criticism of Tax Bill Triggers Fallout
Just one day prior to his exit, Musk criticized Trump’s new tax and budget bill, calling it “too expensive” and a threat to his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This angered senior White House officials and forced damage control with Republican senators.
A Rise and Gradual Fall
Once seen as a rising star in Trump’s inner circle, Musk’s influence began to decline as his aggressive tactics and anti-bureaucratic stance clashed with cabinet members. His flamboyant CPAC appearance—wielding a red metallic chainsaw—made headlines and symbolized his mission to “cut bureaucracy.”
DOGE’s Ambitious Goals and Controversial Legacy
Musk promised $2 trillion in savings via DOGE. The administration claims it saved $175 billion—though Reuters could not independently verify this. DOGE’s initiatives cut 260,000 federal jobs (~12% of the workforce) using threats of termination, buyouts, and retirements.
Mounting Resistance from Within
As time passed, resistance to Musk’s methods grew. Trump reminded departments that staffing decisions were up to secretaries, not Musk. He also clashed with top cabinet members, calling some officials insulting names. Musk grew frustrated that he couldn’t push deeper cuts.
Musk Shifts Focus Back to Tesla
In a recent Tesla earnings call, Musk hinted at scaling back government work. He later admitted:
“The federal bureaucracy situation is much worse than I realized… an uphill battle.”
DOGE to Continue Without Musk
Though Musk’s 130-day mandate ends May 30, DOGE will continue. Some departments plan to retain elements of DOGE while reasserting control over budgets and staffing. Court challenges and internal agency resistance have already slowed its momentum.
Musk’s Final Straw: Budget Criticism
On Tuesday, Musk publicly criticized the Republican tax bill, saying:
“It increases the budget deficit and undermines DOGE’s work.”
This reportedly infuriated senior aides and likely sealed his exit.
Backlash and Repercussions
Musk’s political role has sparked protests, while Tesla investors want him to focus on the company. Tesla has recently seen declines in sales and stock value. He told CBS he would reduce political spending and refocus on his businesses.
Final Remarks
“I think I’ve done enough,” Musk said at an economic forum in Qatar.
Despite a chaotic tenure, Musk said DOGE would live on:
“The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
