Elon Musk’s governmental plans in tatters as he steps down from DOGE after Trump doubts.

Elon Musk’s governmental plans in tatters as he steps down from DOGE after Trump doubts.

Elon Musk is stepping back from his position as a special government employee, a decision that has shocked Washington and impacted the stock market.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO had been expected to stay in his government role until May, but has decided to leave earlier than anticipated, leaving behind a trail of controversy.

Just a month ago, Trump’s inner circle had hinted that Musk’s presence in the White House was secure, with reports stating that the Tesla founder was “here to stay.”

However, recent developments have indicated a dramatic shift. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed these claims, calling Politico’s report “garbage” and emphasizing that both Musk and President Trump had publicly agreed on Musk’s eventual departure once his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was completed.

Despite the denial, Musk’s tenure in the administration had been marked by growing tension. His controversial approach to government, which included mass firings, an aggressive push to cut down federal agencies, and his $20 million investment in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, has raised questions about his role.

Musk’s political influence, coupled with his business interests, has led to concerns about conflicts of interest, particularly given his vast government contracts with SpaceX.

Public Support vs. Private Tensions
While Musk remained publicly close to Trump-attending Oval Office meetings, traveling on Air Force One, and even enjoying moments like the South Lawn Tesla showroom-there were signs of strain behind the scenes.

Musk’s tendency to bypass the White House chain of command, along with his uncoordinated social media commentary, created a public relations nightmare. His controversial remarks, including an incident where his salute was compared to a Nazi gesture, further added to the tension.

As Musk’s special government employee designation nears its 130-day expiration in late May, it’s clear his departure is imminent. This designation, which exempts him from some ethics and conflict-of-interest rules, had fueled concerns about his influence in the government, particularly in light of his business dealings with federal agencies.

Although Musk is stepping back from government service, his influence on the Republican Party is expected to endure. Despite the departure, sources suggest that Musk will continue to have direct access to Trump and may still frequent Mar-a-Lago, where the two have socialized on several occasions.