Elon Musk has announced his departure from the Trump administration. The tech billionaire revealed the news on his platform X, stating that his temporary government role has ended.
Musk served as a special government employee for the Department of Government Efficiency, known as Doge. His role focused on cutting wasteful spending and streamlining federal operations.
On Wednesday, the White House began officially offboarding Musk from his advisory position. Though expected, the move followed growing tensions between Musk and Trump’s team.
In a public statement, Musk thanked President Trump for the opportunity. He affirmed that Doge reforms will continue even after his departure. According to Musk, the mission will grow stronger as it becomes a core government principle.
His role allowed him to serve up to 130 days a year. He reached that limit near the end of May, just as disagreements with Trump surfaced.
A day earlier, Musk openly criticized Trump’s budget proposal. He said the “big, beautiful bill” would worsen the national deficit. Musk argued the bill contradicts the core goals of Doge.
Speaking in an interview, he explained that large tax cuts and defense spending boosts could undo their progress. “I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but not both,” he said.
Throughout his time in government, Musk promised bold cuts. He initially aimed to slash $2 trillion from federal spending. That target was eventually reduced to $150 billion.
Under the Doge program, around 260,000 federal workers lost their jobs or accepted buyouts. Some dismissals were blocked in court, including cases involving critical departments like the nuclear program.
Musk said the backlash was growing, even when Doge wasn’t responsible. He claimed the department became a scapegoat for various issues across Washington.
By late April, he signaled plans to return full-time to Tesla and SpaceX. He said his companies were suffering from distractions tied to his government role.
Despite leaving, Musk insists the Doge initiative will endure beyond his leadership. The movement for government efficiency, he says, is only beginning.
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