Elon Musk has announced his departure from the Trump administration, concluding his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His exit follows public criticism of President Trump’s recent budget bill, which Musk argued would significantly increase the federal deficit, undermining DOGE’s mission to reduce government spending.
Posting on his social media platform X, the billionaire businessman thanked President Donald Trump for the opportunity to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
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.
The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 29, 2025
According to the BBC, the White House began formally ending Musk’s temporary government role on Wednesday night. Although his exit was expected, it comes just a day after he publicly criticised one of Trump’s key policy proposals.
“As my time as a Special Government Employee comes to a close, I want to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the chance to help cut wasteful spending,” Musk wrote. “The mission of @DOGE will continue to grow stronger as it becomes a lasting part of government culture.”
Musk’s position allowed him to work for the federal government up to 130 days per year. Based on Trump’s January 20 inauguration, that limit would be reached by the end of May.
However, his departure follows his criticism of Trump’s new budget proposal, which includes major tax cuts and increased defence spending. Musk told CBS News that the bill would worsen the federal deficit and undermine Doge’s efforts to cut costs.
“I think a bill can be big or beautiful, but I’m not sure it can be both,” he said.
Musk initially pledged to slash $2 trillion from the federal budget, later reducing the goal to $150 billion. An estimated 260,000 federal workers have lost their jobs or accepted voluntary redundancy since Doge’s launch. Some dismissals were challenged in court, with judges ordering reinstatements especially where errors were made, such as in the nuclear programme.
In late April, Musk said he would step back from government duties to focus on his companies, after facing intense criticism.
“Doge became the scapegoat for everything,” he told the Washington Post. “Even when something wasn’t our fault, we got blamed.”
His time in government also coincided with a difficult period for Tesla. Sales dropped 13% in early 2025, the company’s steepest quarterly decline. Shares fell by 45% at one point, though they have since recovered somewhat.
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Tesla has warned investors of ongoing challenges, including shifting political views that could reduce demand. On a recent earnings call, Musk said he would now devote more time to Tesla and less to Doge.
The backlash against Musk also affected Tesla directly. Protesters targeted dealerships and charging stations, leading to acts of vandalism. US Attorney General Pam Bondi described such attacks as “domestic terrorism”.
Speaking at an economic forum in Doha, Qatar, Musk confirmed he would remain Tesla’s CEO for the next five years. He also said he would reduce his political donations, after reportedly spending nearly $300 million backing Trump’s campaign and other Republican candidates last year.