Faith Nyasuguta
Elon Musk says he’s stepping back from the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), signaling a possible end to his brief but controversial stint in President Donald Trump’s administration. The billionaire announced during Tesla’s earnings call on Tuesday that he will reduce his involvement starting in May.
“Starting next month, I will be allocating far more of my time to Tesla,” Musk said. “Now that the major work of establishing the Department of Government Efficiency is done.” He added that he may continue dedicating one or two days per week to government work “as long as it is useful” and at the president’s request.
Musk’s decision comes as Tesla grapples with a poor quarterly performance and investor concerns over his political entanglements. The electric car company has struggled with backlash tied to Musk’s role in the Trump administration, with critics questioning whether his dual responsibilities were hurting Tesla’s stability.
During his time with DOGE, Musk pushed for sweeping changes, including dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, downsizing the National Institutes of Health, and attempting to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. His team also sought access to sensitive data at the IRS and Treasury Department.
One of Musk’s boldest promises was that DOGE would save taxpayers $2 trillion. However, that projection was quickly revised to $1 trillion, and then again to $150 billion. Even those revised figures have come under scrutiny. In March, DOGE quietly removed $4 billion from its “Wall of Receipts,” cut its real estate savings estimate by $150 million, and lowered total savings claims by over $9 billion in just two days in February.
As a “special government employee,” Musk was limited to serving no more than 130 days in a calendar year. His departure raises questions about the future of DOGE, especially since many of its senior leaders are close Musk allies.
The office was created under an executive order from Trump and is slated to remain operational until July 4, 2026, America’s 250th Independence Day. However, Musk’s exit may weaken its momentum.
For now, Musk is turning his focus back to Tesla as the company tries to regain footing after months of political distractions and market turbulence.
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