Elon Musk exits DOGE amid reports he's become a liability to Donald Trump's agenda

The Tesla and SpaceX founder is expected to return full-time to his business ventures.

PUBLISHED APR 2, 2025

Tesla’s declining sales, stock volatility, and even incidents of vehicles catching fire have further complicated Elon Musk's tenure at DOGE.

Washington D.C.: President Donald Trump has informed his Cabinet and inner circle that Elon Musk will be stepping back from his government role, according to a report from 'Politico'. The Tesla and SpaceX founder is expected to return full-time to his business ventures.

The decision was reportedly mutual, with Trump expressing satisfaction over Musk’s work in the Department of Government Efficiency. However, Musk’s aggressive approach to downsizing federal agencies, mass layoffs, and recent political missteps — such as a failed $20 million investment in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race — have made him a polarizing figure.

The fact that Trump is making the effort to ensure Musk has the smoothest path back to civilian life is telling.

Tesla’s declining sales, stock volatility, and even incidents of vehicles catching fire have further complicated his tenure. Musk’s departure initially boosted Tesla’s shares, signaling investor relief. Yet his government role raised ethical concerns, particularly given SpaceX’s billions in federal contracts. His unpredictable behavior, including unvetted social media posts about gutting agencies and a controversial salute likened to a Nazi gesture, created public relations headaches for the administration.

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Though publicly supportive Trump privately reasserted Cabinet authority, signaling tensions. Reports also noted clashes with Chief of Staff Susie Wiles over Musk’s disregard for White House protocols.

As a "special government employee", Musk’s 130-day term expires in late May or early June, and Trump appears ready to let him go. Yet insiders doubt Musk will fully exit Trump’s orbit, predicting continued access to the Oval Office and Mar-a-Lago.

Democrats, meanwhile, plan to weaponize Musk’s influence in upcoming elections, capitalizing on his 51% unfavorable rating in a recent NBC poll. Returning to business won’t shield him from Trump’s policies, either — Tesla faces new 25% tariffs on Mexican and Chinese parts, which Musk admits will hurt.