Elon Musk Announces: I'm Ending My Role in the Trump Administration

Elon Musk announced today (Thursday) that he is ending his position in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Musk served as a special senior advisor in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a body established to reduce the federal workforce and cut budget waste. The announcement came at the same time as a court decision to block Trump’s controversial tariff plan.

In a post on X, Musk wrote: "With the conclusion of my designated term as a special government worker, I want to thank President Trump for the opportunity to reduce budget waste. DOGE’s mission will only grow stronger with time and become a way of life throughout the administration."

A senior White House official confirmed the report and said, “The departure is accurate, and the separation process will begin tonight.” Musk served in his role for 130 days and led efforts that resulted in a 12% reduction in the federal civilian workforce - around 260,000 employees - through layoffs, early retirement offers, and buyouts.

His departure comes amid increasing tensions with the Trump administration, following Musk’s public criticism of tax and budget legislation promoted by the administration in Congress. In an interview with CBS, Musk said: "I was disappointed to see a bill with massive spending that increases the deficit rather than reducing it - thus undermining DOGE’s work."

The Trump administration clarified that DOGE’s mission would continue even after Musk’s departure, but the move is seen as a major shake-up to the president’s close economic team. Musk, regarded as the most influential figure outside the government to have direct authority over structural reforms, faced growing pressure from investors who argued that he should focus more on running Tesla and less on political involvement.