In the wake of his exit, Musk emphasizes that the mission of Doge will persist, despite recent criticisms of legislative measures.
Elon Musk Exits White House Amid Controversy Over Doge Program
Elon Musk Exits White House Amid Controversy Over Doge Program
Musk's departure from the Trump administration prompts questions about the future of his government efficiency initiative.
Elon Musk has officially announced his departure from the Trump administration after playing a pivotal role in an initiative aimed at reducing the size of the U.S. government. His work, characterized by significant cuts to federal positions, was capped off with a post on his social media platform X, where he expressed gratitude to Trump for the opportunity to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or “Doge.” The White House reportedly began the offboarding process for Musk, a temporary status as a Special Government Employee, on Wednesday evening.
Although Musk’s resignation was anticipated, it coincided with his public discontent regarding a major budget proposal from Trump, which he criticized for potentially increasing the federal deficit and undermining the goals of Doge. In a recent interview with CBS, he remarked on the bill’s inconsistency, stating, “I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful. But I don't know if it could be both.” Initially aiming to reduce federal spending by at least $2 trillion, Musk's targets were continuously revised, with final estimates suggesting a reduction of around $150 billion, contributing to an estimated 260,000 job cuts among the federal workforce.
Musk’s swift cuts were not without controversy; numerous federal employees, including some in sensitive positions, experienced wrongful terminations as a result of the initiative. Following rising tensions within the Trump administration, where Musk reportedly had conflicts with various cabinet members, he decided to refocus on his business ventures as the backlash against Doge grew.
While Musk's management of Doge unfolded against a backdrop of declining Tesla sales—reportedly dropping by 13% in Q1, the steepest drop in the company’s history—the investor landscape remained volatile. Tesla's stock suffered sharp declines but was slowly rebounding. Musk indicated in recent discussions with investors that he would dedicate less time to government service, instead prioritizing his responsibilities at Tesla—a move aimed at stabilizing his businesses amid increasing pressure from activists and ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the company.
Speaking at an economic forum in Doha, Qatar, Musk reiterated his commitment to leading Tesla for the next five years, while cautiously navigating his political contributions following an extensive investment in Trump’s campaign.
Although Musk’s resignation was anticipated, it coincided with his public discontent regarding a major budget proposal from Trump, which he criticized for potentially increasing the federal deficit and undermining the goals of Doge. In a recent interview with CBS, he remarked on the bill’s inconsistency, stating, “I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful. But I don't know if it could be both.” Initially aiming to reduce federal spending by at least $2 trillion, Musk's targets were continuously revised, with final estimates suggesting a reduction of around $150 billion, contributing to an estimated 260,000 job cuts among the federal workforce.
Musk’s swift cuts were not without controversy; numerous federal employees, including some in sensitive positions, experienced wrongful terminations as a result of the initiative. Following rising tensions within the Trump administration, where Musk reportedly had conflicts with various cabinet members, he decided to refocus on his business ventures as the backlash against Doge grew.
While Musk's management of Doge unfolded against a backdrop of declining Tesla sales—reportedly dropping by 13% in Q1, the steepest drop in the company’s history—the investor landscape remained volatile. Tesla's stock suffered sharp declines but was slowly rebounding. Musk indicated in recent discussions with investors that he would dedicate less time to government service, instead prioritizing his responsibilities at Tesla—a move aimed at stabilizing his businesses amid increasing pressure from activists and ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the company.
Speaking at an economic forum in Doha, Qatar, Musk reiterated his commitment to leading Tesla for the next five years, while cautiously navigating his political contributions following an extensive investment in Trump’s campaign.
