Washington D.C., May 29, 2025: Elon Musk, the South African-born entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, announced his departure from the U.S. government's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a commission he led aimed at reducing federal expenditures.
Musk’s resignation follows growing tensions between him and the Trump administration, particularly after Musk publicly criticized the recently passed "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act." The legislation, central to President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda, encompasses expansive tax relief measures and spending cuts. Musk expressed disappointment, stating the bill increases the budget deficit and undermines the initiatives undertaken by the DOGE team.
On his social media platform X, Musk wrote, "As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President Donald Trump 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."
Musk had gradually reduced his involvement with DOGE in recent weeks amid challenges faced by Tesla, his electric car company, and disputes over government fiscal policies. Notably, the tech mogul had been a prominent supporter and ally of Trump since early 2024, having endorsed the President and contributed financially to his reelection campaign. Their alliance included Musk's appointment to lead the government efficiency commission upon Trump's electoral victory.
Chronology of Musk-Trump Collaboration:
- March 6, 2024: Musk initially announced no intentions to support any candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
- July 13, 2024: Following an assassination attempt on Trump, Musk endorsed the President’s reelection bid and donated over $250 million.
- August 2024: Musk hosted Trump for a discussion on government efficiency, suggesting the creation of a commission led by himself.
- November 2024: Musk spent election night at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and was later announced co-leader of the government efficiency advisory group.
- January 20, 2025: Musk attended Trump’s inauguration and delivered a controversial speech during the event.
- February 2025: Musk joined Trump in the Oval Office as the President signed an executive order for major government downsizing.
- May 2025: Disagreements surfaced publicly as Musk criticized Trump’s flagship spending bill and announced stepping back from his government duties.
The White House responded by emphasizing that the "Big Beautiful Bill" is not an annual budget bill and that any reductions in federal bureaucracy would require separate legislation, effectively downplaying Musk’s critiques.
Musk’s departure symbolizes a cooling in the high-profile partnership that had begun with much enthusiasm and expectations to reform government spending. With Musk focusing again on his corporate ventures, the future of DOGE and its policy ambitions remains uncertain.
