From cost cutter to counselor: Musk’s role with Trump shifts, not ends
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If you’ve been following the political and technology headlines lately, you might have noticed a seismic shift in the halls of power—and it’s got Elon Musk’s fingerprints all over it.
The billionaire entrepreneur, known for launching rockets, electric cars, and the occasional Twitter (now X) firestorm, is stepping back from his official government role. But don’t think for a second that means he’s out of the game.
In fact, his next chapter could be even more influential—and it might just affect your wallet, your government services, and the future of American innovation. Let’s break down what’s really happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for you and your family.
Musk’s Government Stint: A Quick Recap
Earlier this year, Musk took on a unique role as a “Special Government Employee” (SGE) in President Trump’s administration, heading up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
His mission was to cut waste, slash spending, and shake up the federal bureaucracy. And shake it up he did—Musk’s team reportedly axed billions in government contracts and trimmed staff across nearly every federal agency.
Why Is Musk Leaving DOGE?
Musk’s departure isn’t a dramatic exit or a falling out with the Trump administration. Instead, it’s a matter of timing and legal limits.
Elon Musk confirmed Wednesday that his time serving in the Trump administration as a "special government employee" is coming to a close. Yet, his influence within the president's circle is far from over.
“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President [Trump] for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk stated on social media.
He emphasized that the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) work is far from finished, writing, “Its mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
A White House official indicated that Musk’s exit is procedural, not a political split, noting, “Musk left on good terms and is still friends with the president... He will continue to be a friend to the president, and we can characterize that as an ‘adviser.’”
While Musk won’t be participating in Cabinet meetings immediately, that door remains open in the future. Several of his key allies at DOGE—including Steve Davis, Katie Miller, and James Burnham—are also exiting their roles.
What Happens Next?
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the DOGE agenda will now be carried forward by “each and every member of the president’s Cabinet and the president himself,” whom she described as “wholeheartedly committed to cutting waste, fraud and abuse from our government.”
Musk’s tenure at DOGE included major disruptions: staff reductions across federal agencies and the cancellation of billions in contracts.
He has claimed these actions saved taxpayers $160 billion. However, some figures are under scrutiny, with one report estimating the true cost could be $135 billion when considering lost productivity and re-hiring expenses.
Musk’s government role was structured under the “special government employee” designation, which capped his service at 130 days annually—a milestone he reaches Friday, May 30.
His departure comes just after a CBS interview in which he openly criticized the new budget bill championed by Trump: “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill... which increases the budget deficit... and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.”
He had previously hinted at scaling back government involvement to refocus on Tesla and his other ventures, stating he might commit “one to two days a week” to government work “as long as the president would like me to do so.”
Source: Fox News / Youtube.
Concerns from Tesla investors about Musk’s divided attention and the impact on the brand added pressure for him to reduce political involvement.
On a legislative note, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced that DOGE-related cuts will become permanent through a rescission package—a bill designed to revoke unspent government funding. This package will begin by targeting foreign aid, USAID, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Related stories:
What do you think about Elon Musk’s time in government? Have you or your family felt the effects of these changes? And do you think tech leaders like Musk should have a seat at the table in Washington? Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below!
The billionaire entrepreneur, known for launching rockets, electric cars, and the occasional Twitter (now X) firestorm, is stepping back from his official government role. But don’t think for a second that means he’s out of the game.
In fact, his next chapter could be even more influential—and it might just affect your wallet, your government services, and the future of American innovation. Let’s break down what’s really happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for you and your family.
Musk’s Government Stint: A Quick Recap
Earlier this year, Musk took on a unique role as a “Special Government Employee” (SGE) in President Trump’s administration, heading up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
His mission was to cut waste, slash spending, and shake up the federal bureaucracy. And shake it up he did—Musk’s team reportedly axed billions in government contracts and trimmed staff across nearly every federal agency.
Why Is Musk Leaving DOGE?
Musk’s departure isn’t a dramatic exit or a falling out with the Trump administration. Instead, it’s a matter of timing and legal limits.
Elon Musk confirmed Wednesday that his time serving in the Trump administration as a "special government employee" is coming to a close. Yet, his influence within the president's circle is far from over.
Elon Musk has announced he’s finishing up his role as a “special government employee” working with the Trump administration’s DOGE. Image source: CNBC Television / Youtube.
“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President [Trump] for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk stated on social media.
He emphasized that the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) work is far from finished, writing, “Its mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
A White House official indicated that Musk’s exit is procedural, not a political split, noting, “Musk left on good terms and is still friends with the president... He will continue to be a friend to the president, and we can characterize that as an ‘adviser.’”
While Musk won’t be participating in Cabinet meetings immediately, that door remains open in the future. Several of his key allies at DOGE—including Steve Davis, Katie Miller, and James Burnham—are also exiting their roles.
What Happens Next?
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the DOGE agenda will now be carried forward by “each and every member of the president’s Cabinet and the president himself,” whom she described as “wholeheartedly committed to cutting waste, fraud and abuse from our government.”
Musk’s tenure at DOGE included major disruptions: staff reductions across federal agencies and the cancellation of billions in contracts.
He has claimed these actions saved taxpayers $160 billion. However, some figures are under scrutiny, with one report estimating the true cost could be $135 billion when considering lost productivity and re-hiring expenses.
Musk’s government role was structured under the “special government employee” designation, which capped his service at 130 days annually—a milestone he reaches Friday, May 30.
His departure comes just after a CBS interview in which he openly criticized the new budget bill championed by Trump: “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill... which increases the budget deficit... and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.”
He had previously hinted at scaling back government involvement to refocus on Tesla and his other ventures, stating he might commit “one to two days a week” to government work “as long as the president would like me to do so.”
Source: Fox News / Youtube.
Concerns from Tesla investors about Musk’s divided attention and the impact on the brand added pressure for him to reduce political involvement.
On a legislative note, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced that DOGE-related cuts will become permanent through a rescission package—a bill designed to revoke unspent government funding. This package will begin by targeting foreign aid, USAID, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Related stories:
- The White House reveals Elon Musk's surprising real authority over DOGE–Here's what you need to know.
- States challenge Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk—implications for DOGE
- A major shake-up at Social Security—what it means for your personal data
What do you think about Elon Musk’s time in government? Have you or your family felt the effects of these changes? And do you think tech leaders like Musk should have a seat at the table in Washington? Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below!
