Elon Musk step back from US government role after breaking with Trump on tax bill

Elon Musk's recent decision to step back from his role in the U.S. government highlights significant tensions between fiscal policy and innovative governance. After publicly criticizing President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," Musk voiced disappointment over the bill's implications for budgetary health, stating it undermines efforts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he had led . The bill proposes substantial tax cuts while simultaneously increasing spending, raising concerns about a projected $3.8 trillion deficit by 2034.

Elon Musk announced on social media that he is leaving his role in the Trump administration, a departure the White House confirmed was in process on Wednesday evening.

“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 billionaire wrote on X, his social media platform.

DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government,” he said, referring to his “department of government efficiency.”

Musk’s role working for Trump was always intended to be temporary, and he had recently signaled that he would be shifting his attention back to running his businesses, such as the electric automaker Tesla and the rocket company SpaceX.

But administration officials were often vague about when Musk would step back from his position spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, and he abruptly revealed that he was leaving in a post on X, his social media website.

Musk's comments on the issue imply a growing distance from Trump, who he helped to propel back to the White House last year with donations of more than $250m.

Musk had stated that he wanted to help the government cut $1tn in spending by cancelling contracts and reducing the government workforce.

As of April, Doge's website claims around $175bn has already been saved, but a BBC analysis of this figure shows it lacks some evidence.

Musk also said last week that he planned to do "a lot less" political spending in the future, and that he was committed to leading electric car company Tesla for another five years.

Musk's departure from a prominent advisory position within the Trump administration marks a pivotal moment in his relationship with governmental policies. Initially an influential figure advocating for efficiency and reform, Musk's growing disillusionment reflects broader divisions within the Republican Party regarding fiscal responsibility . His assertion that the legislation could not be "big or beautiful" but not both underscores a critical debate on sustainable economic practices versus immediate political gains .

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Sara H

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