Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his position as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Donald Trump’s administration. His departure comes after just over four months in the role, during which he pushed for massive budget cuts and a leaner federal government.
Musk’s exit was triggered by a major disagreement with President Trump over a recently passed spending bill. Musk publicly criticized the bill, calling it “big and beautiful” only in size—not in substance. According to Musk, the bill significantly increases the federal deficit and goes against the purpose of DOGE, which he was appointed to lead with the goal of reducing government waste and inefficiency.
While in office, Musk claimed to have achieved $130 billion in budget savings, although these figures have not been independently verified. His tenure was also marked by controversial decisions, including widespread layoffs, program eliminations, and a strong pushback against remote government work. These measures sparked internal resistance and legal challenges, drawing criticism from both within the administration and the public.
Musk’s political involvement also seems to have impacted his businesses. Tesla recently reported a 71% drop in profits and a 9% fall in revenue for the first quarter of 2025. Some analysts believe Musk’s association with Trump and his public political stance may have alienated customers, affecting brand loyalty.
Following his resignation, Musk has said he will refocus on Tesla, SpaceX, and his AI company xAI. While stepping away from his government role, he hinted that he may still offer occasional input to the administration if requested. He thanked President Trump for the opportunity but emphasized the need to prioritize his companies and personal mission to advance technology.
