seniorspectrumnewspaper – Elon Musk announced his departure from the Trump administration after serving as a special government employee. Musk helped spearhead the Department of Government Efficiency, nicknamed Doge, which aimed to cut wasteful federal spending and reduce government size. His role was temporary, limited to 130 days per year, and concluded as expected toward the end of May.
During his tenure, Musk focused on trimming federal budgets and cutting unnecessary jobs. The government eliminated or accepted redundancy from an estimated 260,000 federal employees out of a 2.3 million workforce. Despite some legal pushbacks that reinstated certain workers, Musk’s efforts led to one of the most rapid reductions in federal staffing in recent history.
Musk used his social media platform X to thank President Trump for the opportunity. He expressed confidence that the Doge mission would continue to strengthen and become ingrained throughout government operations, despite his exit.
Read More : Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 May Feature Dual-Chip Strategy
Musk Criticizes Trump’s Budget Bill, Citing Increased Deficit Concerns
Musk’s departure followed his public criticism of Trump’s major legislative agenda, particularly the budget bill. He described the bill as “big, beautiful,” but warned it would increase the federal deficit significantly. Musk stated the bill undermined the work of Doge, suggesting that government efficiency and fiscal responsibility could not coexist with such high spending.
He expressed skepticism that a budget could be both large and fiscally responsible. This stance contrasted with Trump’s vision and highlighted tensions between Musk and some members of the administration. Musk’s critique signaled his growing frustration with the direction of fiscal policy during his government tenure.
Doge’s Rapid Federal Job Cuts Caused Controversy and Operational Challenges
The Doge initiative’s aggressive approach led to substantial job cuts across federal agencies. While many positions were eliminated to reduce waste, some firings were mistakes, including cases affecting sensitive departments like the US nuclear program. Courts occasionally intervened, blocking layoffs and ordering reinstatements, which complicated the initiative’s progress.
Musk initially aimed to slash at least $2 trillion from the federal budget but later scaled down his target to $150 billion. Despite reductions, the program faced heavy criticism and became a lightning rod for blame whenever governmental issues arose, regardless of its direct involvement.
Musk Returns Focus to Tesla Amid Mounting Company Challenges
After stepping back from government duties, Musk recommitted his attention to Tesla and SpaceX. Tesla sales fell 13% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the company’s largest delivery decline. The stock price also experienced volatility, dropping as much as 45% before partially recovering.
Tesla faced backlash beyond sales, with activists calling for boycotts and targeting Tesla dealerships and charging stations with vandalism. The US Department of Justice even classified some attacks as potential domestic terrorism, reflecting the severity of opposition Musk faced.
Despite these challenges, Musk affirmed his commitment to lead Tesla for the next five years, signaling long-term plans for the company’s growth and innovation.
Musk Reduces Political Involvement After Significant Spending on GOP Campaigns
Musk announced plans to reduce his political donations after spending nearly $300 million supporting Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and other Republican candidates last year. His political engagement drew mixed reactions, with some praising his efforts and others protesting.
Speaking at an economic forum in Qatar, Musk emphasized his decision to focus more on his businesses rather than politics. This shift reflects his desire to avoid further controversy and concentrate on Tesla and SpaceX’s future advancements.
