elon musk officially leaves the trump administration

A White House official confirmed that Musk's departure would begin immediately.

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Musk used his social media platform to thank President Trump, signaling the end of his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His exit follows a public critique of Trump’s flagship tax bill, which Musk argued would increase the budget deficit and hinder DOGE's cost-cutting goals. Sources say this criticism caused friction among top White House staff, contributing to his sudden exit.

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Initially seen as a disruptive force aiming to reshape Washington, Musk had promised to slash $2 trillion in federal spending. DOGE estimates savings of $175 billion to date, though this figure remains unverified. Musk had advocated for aggressive reforms, including eliminating remote work to trigger voluntary resignations among federal employees.

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Despite early enthusiasm, Musk’s abrasive approach led to growing tensions with senior cabinet members and White House officials. His clashes with figures like Marco Rubio, Sean Duffy, and Scott Bessent highlighted growing discontent within the administration. He also publicly insulted trade adviser Peter Navarro, calling him “dumber than a sack of bricks.”

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Over time, Musk appeared increasingly frustrated with bureaucratic resistance and limitations on his authority. He hinted at scaling back his political involvement during an April Tesla earnings call, citing the challenges of reforming the federal system.

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Musk's official mandate was due to expire around May 30. Despite his exit, the White House confirmed that DOGE’s mission to restructure the federal government will continue, although individual departments may begin to reclaim more control over staffing and budgeting.

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During Musk’s 130-day tenure, DOGE reportedly reduced the federal workforce by around 12%, primarily through buyouts and early retirements. However, the initiative also encountered legal and logistical obstacles, including court rulings that reinstated some agencies and complaints about the impact on government operations.

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Musk’s involvement in the administration, alongside his substantial political donations — nearly $300 million to Trump and Republican causes — drew criticism from protesters and investors alike. With Tesla facing sales and stock pressure, some stakeholders urged Musk to refocus on his business.

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Earlier this month, Musk announced plans to significantly reduce his political spending, stating at a forum in Qatar: “I think I’ve done enough.”

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