Elon Musk Says "Doge Gone It!" and Bails on Trump

Elon Musk Steps Down from US Government Role After Clash with Trump Over Tax Bill

In a move that has sent ripples through Washington and Silicon Valley, Elon Musk has announced his departure from his role within the US government. The exit comes after a public disagreement with President Trump over the administration's tax bill. The announcement, characteristically, was made via X (formerly Twitter), Musk's own social media platform.

"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," Musk wrote. He further added, "The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government," referencing his "department of government efficiency."

The White House has confirmed that Musk's "off-boarding will begin tonight."

A Swift and Unceremonious Exit

The departure of Musk, who once considered himself Trump's "first buddy," appears to be rather abrupt. Sources indicate that Musk did not have a formal conversation with Trump before announcing his resignation, with the decision reportedly made "at a senior staff level."

Musk's DOGE Initiative: A Recap

As a special government employee, Musk was granted significant authority by Trump to streamline and restructure parts of the US government. His 130-day mandate was slated to expire around May 30th. Despite Musk's exit, both he and the administration maintain that the DOGE initiative will continue its efforts to reduce the size and cost of the federal government.

Key Points Regarding Musk's Departure:

• Tax Bill Clash: Musk sharply criticized Trump’s tax bill, deeming it too expensive and detrimental to his efforts to improve government efficiency.
• Bureaucratic Frustration: Musk expressed his disillusionment with the federal bureaucracy, calling it "much worse than I realized." He described trying to improve things in Washington as "an uphill battle."
• DOGE as a "Whipping Boy": Musk felt that his DOGE initiative was unfairly criticized for any issues within the Trump White House.
• Conflicts with Officials: Musk reportedly clashed with cabinet-level officials and publicly criticized White House trade advisor Peter Navarro for dismissing his push for "zero tariffs" between the US and Europe.
• AI Deal Frustration: Musk also expressed frustration over a deal between Abu Dhabi and OpenAI, a rival to his own AI company.
• Political Disillusionment: The failure of Musk's Wisconsin judicial candidate, despite a $25 million investment, further contributed to his disillusionment.

Impact of DOGE: Workforce Reduction

The DOGE initiative, coupled with Trump's policies, has led to a significant reduction in the federal civilian workforce. According to a Reuters review, nearly **12%, or 260,000**, of the 2.3 million-strong workforce has been cut, largely through buyouts, early retirement offers, and threats of firings.

Investor Concerns and Political Spending

Musk's political activities have faced criticism, with some investors urging him to focus on managing Tesla more closely. After spending nearly $300 million on Republican campaigns, including Trump's presidential bid, Musk stated he would substantially reduce his political spending, saying, "I think I've done enough."

Unfulfilled Promises

Despite earlier indications of a $100 million donation to groups controlled by Trump's team before the 2026 midterms, the New York Times reports that this money had not materialized as of this week.

Conclusion: The End of an Unconventional Partnership

Elon Musk's departure from his role in the US government marks the end of an unconventional partnership. His tenure was characterized by ambitious goals, bureaucratic challenges, and ultimately, a public falling out over policy. Whether his efforts to streamline the government will have a lasting impact remains to be seen, but his exit certainly leaves a void and raises questions about the future direction of governmental efficiency initiatives. It also underscores the complexities of navigating the political landscape, even for individuals with immense influence and resources.

Tags: Elon Musk, Trump, DOGE, Government, Social Media, Billionaire, Special Employee, White House, Departure, News, Politics, Tax Bill, Bureaucracy, Technology

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/29/elon-musk-announces-exit-from-us-government-role-after-breaking-with-trump-on-tax-bill