Elon Musk is stepping back from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raising questions about the future of the program. Musk said he would reduce his time spent on DOGE starting in May and focus more on Tesla, which has been struggling financially and facing public backlash due to his work with the Trump administration.
Musk joined DOGE as a “special government employee,” a temporary advisory role limited to 130 days. His goal was to help cut down on government waste and reduce the federal deficit by a trillion dollars. Although he claimed the mission is nearly complete, the federal deficit has actually increased under Trump’s leadership.
Since its creation via executive order on January 20, DOGE has eliminated over 216,000 federal jobs, dismantled the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and USAID and faced multiple lawsuits over transparency and legal overreach. As Elon Musk prepares to scale back his role, more than 100 Doge staffers remain embedded across agencies, with operations set to continue until July 4, 2026.
Tesla investors have grown increasingly worried about Musk’s involvement in politics. The electric vehicle company’s earnings dropped 71% in the last quarter, and its stock has fallen by nearly 50% since December. Protests, lawsuits, and even acts of vandalism have targeted both Musk and Tesla over his political activities and possibly support of Trump.
Musk said during Tesla’s earnings call that DOGE is now mostly established and he will only spend one or two days a week on government matters. While this announcement relieved many Tesla investors, it has created uncertainty within DOGE. The initiative was largely driven by Musk’s personal energy and leadership, and his absence could weaken its momentum.
DOGE’s broader goal—shrinking the size of the federal workforce and cutting spending—is still supported by the White House. However, with Musk no longer fully involved, critics wonder if the project can maintain its force. Software CEO Matt Calkins, a supporter of Musk’s work, said, “There’s nothing like having the captain on board.”
Musk’s time in Washington has also been controversial. He has clashed with key Trump officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. These conflicts, along with legal questions about his unofficial yet powerful role, have made some in the GOP uneasy. One source close to the White House said Republicans don’t want to “own” Musk politically, especially since he isn’t on the ballot but brings a lot of public attention and controversy.
Despite this, some DOGE team members are rising within the federal government. One official, Tyler Hassen, was recently given wide powers at the Interior Department to push ahead with reforms. Others, like Gavin Kliger, have been removed from positions, showing mixed reactions within the administration.
A senior White House official insisted that DOGE will continue regardless of Musk’s reduced involvement. The official said that DOGE is now integrated into federal agencies and doesn’t rely solely on Musk to function. “Nothing’s going to change when it comes to the function, the operation, and the goal of DOGE,” they stated.
Still, some experts believe that any further cost-cutting will need to happen through Congress. Republican strategist Chris Johnson pointed out that DOGE may have pushed its agenda as far as possible without legislative support. “If the president is serious about cutting waste, it’s got to happen through Congress,” he said.
While Musk steps back, his influence may still remain strong. He has built a close relationship with Trump, who praised him for his work with DOGE and support during the 2024 campaign. Musk reportedly spent over $250 million through his super PAC to support Trump’s reelection.
Trump recently called Musk “an exceptional guy” and “a tremendous help,” suggesting he hopes to keep Musk involved in some capacity. Let me know if you’d like this adapted into a news-style article or opinion piece.