Are Elon Musk’s days at DOGE numbered? It depends on who you ask.
Politico reported Wednesday that Donald Trump has told his inner circle that Musk will be departing the administration in the coming weeks. While Trump, per that report, is happy with DOGE’s work, the two have decided recently that “ it will soon be time for Musk to return to his businesses and take on a supporting role.”
Musk would remain in an “informal role,” under that scenario, but no longer serve as a “special government employee.”
The report came the day after a Wisconsin Supreme Court race that Musk had very publicly involved himself in was won by the Democratic-backed candidate.
However, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, denied the Politico report on X, calling it “garbage” and declaring that Musk will not depart until his “incredible work at DOGE is complete.” Musk himself quote-tweeted the Leavitt post, declaring it “fake news.”
Then again, as pointed out by CNN’s Brian Stelter, the Leavitt statement was “a deflection, not a denial.” If Musk leaves in the coming months, and the White House declares his work there is done, then it’s possible that both the White House and Politico could be right.
Indeed, Trump himself told reporters on Air Force One, Thursday, that while “I want him to stay as long as possible… There’s going to be a point where he’s going to have to leave.” Trump placed the time frame of when Musk will leave as in “a few months.”
Donald Trump and Elon Musk: A Falling Out?
There had been many predictions when Musk became such a powerful presence in Trump’s orbit that the two would eventually have a bitter falling out. Both are men who aren’t used to sharing the spotlight with others, while Trump has fallen out with several former rivals over the years.
They’ve also been at odds before, including when Musk resigned from Trump’s business councils early on in Trump’s first presidency, after Trump pulled out of the Paris climate accords.
However, it appears that whenever Musk departs the Administration, it won’t be on especially bad terms. Trump has regularly hosted Musk at the White House, with Musk’s young son X usually joining him, and in reaction to Tesla’s troubles, which has included vandalism of the cars around the country, Trump held something of a Tesla car show at the White House in March, which included purchasing a car for his granddaughter.
When Trump falls out with someone, there’s usually back-channel sniping in the press; that hasn’t happened with Musk.
A Busy Man
Still, it might make sense for Musk to get back to devoting his attention to the private sector.
Musk is either the CEO or owner of several different major companies, including Tesla, Space X, Neuralink, and xAI. He even recently announced the merger of X and xAI, in a $45 billion all-stock deal.
However, there are indications that these companies need Musk’s attention, especially Tesla, which has suffered both sales and stock slumps so far this year.
According to a Bloomberg News analysis, Musk’s work with DOGE has antagonized many of the company’s core customers. In Germany, where Musk vocally backed the far-right Alternative for Germany in February’s elections, sales plunged 62 percent through March.
However, not all of Tesla’s troubles have anything to do with that. Tesla is facing stiffer electric car competition around the world, including from multiple newer entries from China.
What About DOGE?
DOGE was brought into being by a Trump executive order, so it will likely survive as an entity following a Musk departure. However, if that departure is positioned as DOGE’s work being “done,” perhaps there will be less activity.
One certain thing is that lawsuits related to the DOGE firings are going to wind their way through the courts for a long time after Elon Musk is gone from the administration.
About the Author: Stephen Silver
Stephen Silver is an award-winning journalist, essayist and film critic, and contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. For over a decade, Stephen has authored thousands of articles that focus on politics, technology, and the economy. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @StephenSilver, and subscribe to his Substack newsletter
