Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has formally ended his role as a special government employee under President Donald Trump’s administration, marking the close of a controversial chapter as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk Announces Departure on Social Media
The announcement came Wednesday night via Musk’s social platform, X. “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk stated. He expressed hope that the mission of DOGE “will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
Although Musk’s position was always intended as a temporary appointment—capped at 130 days annually—his resignation coincides with growing disapproval of the Trump administration’s latest budget bill. Musk had openly criticized the bill, warning it would sharply increase the federal deficit and undermine efforts to promote fiscal responsibility.
“I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful,” Musk told CBS, referencing Trump’s description of the legislation, “but I don't know if it could be both.” He added that the bill “undermines the work” of DOGE.
Controversial Cost-Cutting and Backlash
Musk’s tenure at DOGE saw aggressive efforts to curb government spending. Initially pledging to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget, the goal was eventually scaled back to $150 billion. The program resulted in an estimated 260,000 federal job losses or redundancy packages, sparking legal challenges and court-ordered reinstatements for some employees, including those in the nuclear sector.
Public criticism intensified as Musk became a lightning rod for grievances linked to the administration’s policies. “DOGE is just becoming the whipping boy for everything,” Musk told reporters, referencing the growing backlash.
Pressure From Tesla and Public Protests
Musk’s departure also comes as Tesla, his flagship company, faces significant headwinds. Tesla reported a 13% decline in vehicle sales in the first quarter of the year—the largest drop in its history—accompanied by a sharp 45% slide in its stock price, though shares have since partly recovered.
The billionaire has faced mounting protests over his political involvement, with activists staging demonstrations and vandalizing Tesla cars and charging stations across the US. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that acts of sabotage would be prosecuted as “domestic terrorism.”
Refocusing on Tesla and the Future
On a recent Tesla earnings call, Musk confirmed plans to “allocate far more of my time to Tesla” and reduce public duties, signaling a shift in priorities. During a forum in Doha, he pledged to remain as Tesla’s chief executive for at least five more years and announced intentions to scale back political donations after spending nearly $300 million supporting Trump and other Republican candidates last year.
Musk’s exit marks the end of a turbulent but impactful stint in government, as he now turns his focus back to guiding Tesla and his other ventures through a challenging business climate.
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