Elon Musk parts ways with the Trump administration over the “big, beautiful bill” that he claims undermines his mission to cut government waste, returning to his companies with mixed feelings about his impact on federal spending.
Key Takeaways
- Elon Musk is ending his 130-day tenure as a special government employee after leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which claimed to have saved $175 billion in federal spending.
- Musk publicly criticized President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” stating it undermines DOGE’s mission to reduce government waste and spending.
- Despite his departure, Musk will maintain a small White House office and continue limited government work while refocusing on his businesses: Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, and X.
- The rift between Musk and Trump appears to be widening, with Musk reducing his political spending after contributing over $250 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
- Legal challenges are emerging for Musk, with allegations of federal law violations during his time leading DOGE, while Tesla investors push for greater commitment to the electric vehicle company.
Musk Exits Government Role Over Spending Disagreements
Elon Musk has officially completed his term as a special government employee after reaching the 130-day limit, marking the end of his formal leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The billionaire entrepreneur expressed gratitude to President Trump for the opportunity to tackle wasteful government spending but made it clear he disapproves of the administration’s latest spending legislation. A White House official confirmed Musk’s departure and that he is currently going through the standard offboarding process, though he will maintain a small office at the White House and continue some government work through the end of Trump’s term.
The primary point of contention appears to be Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” a tax and spending package that has passed the House and is now before the Senate. Musk publicly criticized the legislation, suggesting it contradicts the core mission of DOGE, which was established to reduce federal spending through layoffs, agency shutdowns, and contract cancellations. The bill would increase spending on defense and border security while cutting funding for clean energy, Medicaid, and Medicare, a combination that has drawn criticism from fiscal conservatives in Congress Stated President Trump
DOGE’s Impact and Future Without Musk
Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE claimed to have identified $175 billion in potential government savings. Despite Musk’s departure, he expressed confidence that the mission would continue, stating, “The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has praised DOGE’s work and expressed eagerness to implement its findings, suggesting the initiative may have lasting impact even without Musk’s direct involvement. However, questions remain about how effectively these recommendations will be implemented without Musk’s high-profile advocacy.
“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,” Said Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X
President Trump has acknowledged mixed feelings about the bill that created tension with Musk. “I’m not happy about certain aspects of it, but I’m thrilled by other aspects of it,” Trump stated, emphasizing the need to pass it through the House. Meanwhile, Musk expressed skepticism about the legislation, commenting, “I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful. But I don’t know if it can be both.” This public disagreement has fueled speculation about a growing rift between the two high-profile figures, particularly as Musk’s presence in Trump’s inner circle has noticeably decreased in recent weeks.
Refocusing on Business Ventures
With his government role winding down, Musk has announced plans to refocus on his business empire, which includes Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), and xAI. This shift comes at a critical time for several of his companies. Tesla faces increasing competition in the electric vehicle market, SpaceX continues to advance its Starship program and satellite internet service Starlink, and xAI is developing artificial intelligence technologies. Musk’s reduced government commitments may allow him to address concerns from Tesla investors, who have urged the company’s board to require him to work a minimum of 40 hours per week at Tesla for future CEO compensation.
Legal challenges are also emerging for Musk, with allegations of federal law violations during his time leading DOGE. These developments, combined with his reduced political spending after contributing over $250 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign, suggest a strategic retreat from politics to protect his business interests. While Musk appears committed to maintaining some level of government involvement, his primary focus is returning to the technological innovations that built his fortune and reputation as one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.
