A stunning development rocked the political landscape at 10:34 AM +07 on Thursday, May 29, 2025, as billionaire Elon Musk officially stepped away from President Donald Trump’s administration after serving as a senior advisor at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The White House confirmed the news, marking the end of Musk’s 130-day tenure as a special government employee. Is this a calculated retreat or a sign of deeper rifts within Trump’s cabinet? Dive into the gripping saga that’s got the public buzzing!
Musk, once hailed by Trump as a “super genius,” led DOGE with a mission to slash federal spending, achieving a notable $160 billion cut despite an initial $1 trillion target. He also oversaw a 12% reduction in the federal workforce, cutting 260,000 employees, a move that sparked widespread protests and court challenges. On X, Musk posted: “As my term as a special government employee ends, I want to thank President Donald Trump for the opportunity to cut wasteful spending. The DOGE mission will grow stronger, becoming a way of life in government.” Yet, this exit comes just a day after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” on spending and tax reform, warning it would add a $3.8 trillion deficit by 2034, undermining DOGE’s efforts.
Musk’s departure wasn’t entirely unexpected. Since April, Trump had hinted that Musk’s role as a special employee—capped at 130 days—would end by late May. However, the timing aligns with internal tensions: Musk clashed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over spending cuts, prompting Trump to step in and curb his influence. Additionally, attacks from the left and a dip in Musk’s public approval—from +24 to -19 points, per some X polls—may have made him a political liability for Trump. Tesla’s stock also took a hit, losing value amid protests and vandalism tied to his controversial tenure.
X reactions reveal a sharp divide. Some Trump supporters label Musk a “traitor” for leaving midstream, while others praise his achievements and urge him to return to Tesla, SpaceX, and X. Neutral voices suggest Trump may have pushed Musk out to avoid political risks, especially as federal lawsuits over DOGE’s authority persist. Notably, Trump has recently gone silent about Musk on Truth Social, a stark contrast to his earlier frequent mentions.
Musk’s exit raises big questions: who will take over DOGE, and can Trump sustain the reform momentum Musk kickstarted? Sources hint that DOGE duties may shift to other officials, but with pressure from lawmakers and the public, the road ahead looks tough. This move could also strain ties between Silicon Valley and the White House, where Musk served as a key bridge.
This isn’t just about one man leaving politics—it’s a signal of bigger shifts in Trump’s administration. Will Musk truly step back, or is this a tactical pause for a new role? And how will Trump handle the void Musk leaves? Stay tuned for the next twist—because this story promises more shocks ahead!
