Washington, D.C. – Elon Musk, the South African-born technology entrepreneur, announced his departure from the U.S. government's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role he assumed to help reduce federal spending. His decision follows growing disagreements with President Donald Trump over the administration's expansive tax and spending legislation.
Musk revealed his exit via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing gratitude to President Trump for the opportunity to contribute to reducing wasteful government expenditures. He emphasized that the mission of DOGE to improve government efficiency will continue to strengthen over time.
In recent weeks, Musk reduced his involvement with DOGE, prioritizing his electric vehicle company Tesla amid significant financial challenges. The friction intensified when Musk publicly criticised the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act," a central element of Trump's domestic policy passed in the House and pending Senate approval. Musk described the bill as increasing the federal deficit and undermining the efficiency improvements pursued by DOGE.
The high-profile partnership between Musk and Trump has seen a dramatic evolution since 2024. Musk officially endorsed Trump following an attempted assassination at a rally and donated over $250 million to his reelection campaign. Subsequently, Musk was appointed to lead DOGE and became a prominent figure at Trump rallies and events.
Highlights of their alliance include Musk's visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on election night, public endorsements, and Musk’s appointment to spearhead cuts in federal bureaucracy. However, Musk’s recent distancing from the administration reflects diverging views on fiscal policy.
The White House downplayed perceived rifts, with Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller clarifying that the "Big Beautiful Bill" is not an annual budget and that spending cuts targeted by DOGE require separate legislation in the Senate.
Musk’s exit marks a significant shift in his political engagement, underscoring a renewed focus on his business ventures amid complex political dynamics.
