Elon Musk Steps Down from Trump Administration Role

Billionaire departs amid backlash over tax bill and criticism of government spending strategy

Musk Exits Role as Government Adviser

Elon Musk has confirmed his departure from the Trump administration, marking the end of his controversial tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

In a post on social media on Wednesday evening, Musk stated:

“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.”

He added that the DOGE mission would continue to “strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

Departure Follows Tax Bill Criticism

Musk’s exit comes just one day after he publicly criticised a White House-backed tax bill, which has been dubbed Trump’s “big beautiful bill”. The bill, which has already cleared the House and is now being debated in the Senate, was described by Musk as undermining DOGE’s efforts to cut federal spending.

In a CBS interview, Musk claimed the bill would reverse much of the progress made in reducing government inefficiency.

No Formal Discussion with Trump

While Musk had hinted earlier this year that he would gradually reduce his time working with the government, sources confirm that there was no formal conversation with President Trump before his departure.

Reuters reports the White House has already initiated the off-boarding process, while the Associated Press confirmed Musk’s departure with administration officials.

Controversy and Backlash

Since joining the Trump administration in January, Musk's role in DOGE has sparked significant controversy:

• DOGE fell short of its aim to slash trillions in government waste
• Musk faced legal challenges for proposing job and budget cuts across federal agencies, with critics arguing he lacked the authority
• His involvement with Trump damaged Tesla’s brand image, sparking international boycotts and facility attacks

Musk acknowledged during Tesla’s Q1 earnings call that he would be spending less time with government affairs and refocusing on his business interests.

Tesla Shares Jump on Exit News

Following Musk’s announcement, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) shares rose 2.7% in aftermarket trading, as investors welcomed the news of his return to focusing on core business operations.

Many industry analysts believe Musk’s detachment from politics could help repair Tesla’s public image and restore consumer confidence in its products.

End of a Divisive Chapter

• Elon Musk departs the Trump administration after leading DOGE
• Criticised new tax bill, calling it harmful to efficiency goals
• Faced backlash and lawsuits over aggressive cost-cutting policies
• Tesla stock gains, as Musk shifts attention back to business
• Signals the end of a controversial intersection between business and politics

Sources: (BBC.co.uk, Investing.com)