Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced the conclusion of his role as a Special Government Employee in the Trump administration, marking his official exit from the White House. Musk had been serving as an advisor to President Donald Trump and was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a body formed to streamline federal operations and reduce wasteful spending.
In a post shared on X, the social media platform he owns, Musk thanked President Trump for the opportunity to lead DOGE, saying, “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
During his tenure, Musk spearheaded initiatives aimed at downsizing the federal workforce and aligning operations with the administration’s cost-cutting goals. However, in a recent appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, Musk voiced his concerns over President Trump’s flagship legislative proposal—a sweeping tax and immigration bill—which he claimed could undermine DOGE’s objectives by significantly increasing the national deficit.
Describing the bill as a “large spending package,” Musk questioned whether it could be both impressive and effective, adding that he was disappointed by its potential long-term fiscal impact. His comments echoed sentiments shared by several Republican lawmakers, including Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who acknowledged Musk’s frustrations and emphasized the need for greater fiscal responsibility.
Responding to Musk’s concerns from the Oval Office, President Trump defended the bill, admitting it had both positive and problematic aspects. He noted that the legislation was not yet finalized and that changes could still be made as it undergoes debate in the Senate, following its recent passage in the House.
Musk’s departure underscores ongoing divisions within the administration and Republican ranks over government spending, even as DOGE’s vision for greater efficiency continues to gain attention.