An inside look at why Elon Musk is stepping down from DOGE and the real reasons driving his decision to leave the role.
Elon Musk’s departure from DOGE was inevitable
Left-wing media reacted strongly to Elon Musk leaving the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, his tenure was always meant to be temporary.
Musk, a key figure in DOGE and a close Trump ally, is set to step back next month.
However, sources confirm that his exit was planned from the start.
His departure follows federal regulations that limit special government employees (SGEs) to 130 consecutive days. For Musk, that deadline falls on May 30, exactly 130 days after Trump’s inauguration.
While, Elon Musk is set to leave his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the end of next month.
His departure follows federal regulations that limit special government employees (SGEs) to 130 consecutive days in office.
Media speculation misinterprets Musk’s exit
Despite clear explanations, media outlets have framed Musk’s departure as a sign of tensions with Trump.
Politico’s Rachel Bade claimed the exit marked a shift in their relationship.
Politico Capitol Bureau Chief Rachel Bade claimed the news signaled a shift in their relationship. She cited previous White House statements suggesting Musk would stay longer.
Her post on X labeled the story as a “SCOOP.” However, over 1,200 commenters ridiculed the claim. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the report as misleading.
White House confirms Musk’s departure was planned
Leavitt reiterated that Musk and Trump had publicly stated Musk would leave after completing his role as an SGE.
Trump himself confirmed this earlier in the week. Speaking to reporters, he praised Musk’s contributions but acknowledged his eventual departure.
“At some point, he’s going to go back,” Trump said. “I’ll keep him as long as I can, but he’s very talented.”
When asked if DOGE will continue without Musk’s oversight, President Donald Trump indicated that its time may be coming to an end.
The POTUS explained in the press at the Oval Office: “Well, I can’t tell you that… I can say this that, a lot of the people that are working with DOGE are the secretaries and heads of various agencies – and they’ve learned a lot and they’re dealing with the DOGE people.”
“I think some of them may try and keep the DOGE people with them. But, at a certain point, I think it will end.”
While, Trump addressed the future of DOGE when asked if it would continue without Musk.
He stated that while some agency heads might retain DOGE staff, the department is likely nearing its end.
Additionallky, Musk also addressed the timeline in an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier. He stated that most of DOGE’s work would be completed within the 130-day limit.
Musk’s impact on government efficiency
Musk’s tenure at DOGE led to significant budget cuts. Agencies affected included the US Agency for International Development, the Department of Education, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
These reductions triggered violent protests targeting Tesla vehicles. The Trump administration labeled the attacks “domestic terrorism” and increased security measures.
Musk expressed concern about the backlash. “A great wrong is being done to the people of Tesla and our customers,” he told Baier.
Musk implemented corporate-style accountability measures at DOGE. One policy required all federal employees to submit weekly reports outlining their top five accomplishments.
This initiative faced resistance, prompting Trump to clarify that DOGE would focus more on “tech support” than human resources.
Musk’s role in national security discussions
Beyond efficiency reforms, Musk used his tech expertise in White House security matters.
Additionally, one notable case involved investigating how Atlantic magazine Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg accessed a confidential Trump administration Signal group.
The group discussed potential military action against the Houthis in Yemen. The White House sought Musk’s input in identifying the breach.
Musk had long stated that DOGE’s “final step is to delete itself.” His departure aligns with this vision.