US President Donald Trump has informed senior officials in his administration that billionaire businessman Elon Musk will soon step down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Trump has publicly praised Musk’s work, insiders suggest frustration over Musk’s unpredictability has made him a political liability.
Sources within the administration revealed that Musk’s departure is expected within weeks, with the official reasoning being that it is time for him to return to his business ventures. Despite this, Trump is said to be considering keeping Musk in an informal advisory role, with occasional visits to the White House still possible, according to Politico.
This marks a shift in their relationship compared to just a month ago when White House officials expected Musk to extend his position beyond the standard 130-day term. However, Musk’s growing involvement in political endorsements has caused concern. His recent support for a conservative judge in Wisconsin backfired when the candidate lost by a ten-point margin, further fuelling doubts about his influence.
Publicly, Trump has continued to defend Musk, particularly in response to legal and regulatory challenges faced by Tesla. The President has called Musk a “patriot” and “his friend,” acknowledging the difficulties Musk has encountered. Despite this, Trump’s team sees Musk’s political missteps as a growing problem.
One of the key incidents leading to Musk’s exit was the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, where liberal candidate Susan Crawford defeated a conservative opponent despite Musk investing 25 million US dollars (£19.8 million). The result ensured that the court retained its liberal majority, dealing a significant political setback to both Musk and Trump.
While Musk’s formal role in the White House appears to be ending, his influence is unlikely to completely disappear. A senior official noted that “anyone who thinks Musk will completely disappear from Trump’s orbit is kidding themselves.”
