Elon Musk Steps Down from Trump Administration After 130 Days of Controversy
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, has officially ended his tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role he held for 130 days under President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk’s departure follows a series of controversies, internal conflicts, and growing public scrutiny over his aggressive cost-cutting measures and the broader impact of his reforms on federal agencies.
A Brief Yet Turbulent Tenure
Appointed as a special government employee and senior adviser to President Trump, Musk was tasked with leading DOGE, an initiative aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy and government spending. His appointment came after being the largest individual donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign, contributing over $290 million. Musk’s approach involved significant downsizing of federal agencies, including the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the elimination of various diversity, equity, and inclusion programs .
However, his methods drew criticism from within the administration and the public. A notable incident was the resignation of approximately one-third of DOGE staffers, who protested against Musk’s plans to dismantle critical public services and raised concerns about the qualifications and political motivations of new appointees .
Clashes Within the Administration
Musk’s aggressive reforms led to tensions with other cabinet members. In a heated White House meeting, he confronted officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over proposed budget cuts, particularly those affecting the Federal Aviation Administration amid safety concerns . These confrontations highlighted the growing unease within the administration regarding Musk’s influence and approach.
President Trump, while initially supportive, began to distance himself from Musk’s methods. He clarified that Musk’s role was advisory and that any significant actions required White House approval, signaling a shift in the administration’s stance on Musk’s authority .
Public Backlash and Legal Challenges
Musk’s tenure also faced public opposition. Protests erupted under the “Tesla Takedown” movement, with demonstrations outside Tesla showrooms and federal buildings. Critics accused Musk of overstepping his authority and compromising public services .
Legal challenges further complicated his position. A U.S. District judge ruled that Musk must face a lawsuit alleging he wielded illegal power as DOGE head, among other cases seeking to block his access to sensitive government systems .
Musk’s Exit and Future Plans
Announcing his departure, Musk expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending and stated that the DOGE mission would continue to strengthen over time. His exit came shortly after criticizing President Trump’s “big, beautiful” spending bill, which he argued increased the budget deficit and undermined DOGE’s objectives.
Post-resignation, Musk indicated plans to focus on his business ventures, including addressing operational challenges at Tesla and SpaceX. Recent setbacks, such as a failed Starship test flight and a significant drop in Tesla’s stock price, have underscored the need for his attention in the private sector .