Musk Could Be Headed for White House Exit Amid Turbulent Times at DOGE

Elon Musk hints at an impending exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) amid challenges including a Supreme Court loss in Wisconsin and declining Tesla sales. President Trump acknowledges Musk’s likely return to business duties while suggesting DOGE may wind down sooner than planned, with employees reassigned. Observers note Musk’s failure to meet deficit goals and his rating lag behind Trump’s, complicating his political influence.

A potential shake-up is brewing in Washington as Elon Musk hints at stepping back from his role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). President Trump remarked this week that Musk would likely resume his responsibilities running his businesses soon. He stated definitively that “it will end” concerning DOGE, a sentiment echoed by recent voter discontent with Musk, particularly in Wisconsin where his backed Supreme Court candidate was defeated despite his hefty contributions.

In these tumultuous times, it seems Musk’s challenges are piling up. Tesla recently reported a significant 13% decrease in sales during the first quarter of the year, highlighting broader concerns about the electric vehicle market’s competitiveness and Musk’s leadership amid backlash.

There’s no clear indication from the White House about when DOGE, which was originally set to function until July 4, 2026, might be wrapped up. Early signs indicate a winding down, as employees are being transferred to other federal entities meant to lead cost-cutting efforts. Layoffs across the government are also taking place to meet the goals Musk and Trump laid out.

Trump commented to reporters, suggesting a possible transition phase, saying, “We think probably over the next two or three months, we’ll be pretty much satisfied with the people that are working hard and want to be members of the administration.”

Musk’s role within DOGE was to provide a new perspective, initially intended for him to co-lead alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, who has since opted to focus on his gubernatorial campaign in Ohio. The panel, which originally aimed to maintain independence, has become more bureaucratic in its operations since adopting staffing from Musk’s circle.

Notably, Musk’s government role was limited — he can only serve as a special government employee for 130 days within a year. This restriction adds urgency to his timeline, particularly as Trump’s administration marks significant dates and sets objectives he hopes to meet. On March 27, Musk expressed confidence in achieving substantial deficit reduction, aiming for a trillion dollars. However, DOGE’s progress has been questioned, with reports suggesting their self-measured calculations might not be as accurate as claimed.

Up to now, Musk hasn’t publicly stated a definite departure date, which creates uncertainty about how Trump’s administration might be tracking his 130-day allowance. Meanwhile, Trump remains optimistic about Musk’s contributions. In the Oval Office, he said, “I’d keep him as long as I could keep him” and acknowledged the immense talent Musk brings.

Despite the ongoing speculation, there’s been no indication yet of any abrupt end to their partnership. In fact, Trump expressed admiration, stating, “I think he’s amazing, but I also think he’s got a big company to run. At some point, he’s going to be going back.”

The political landscape is impacted further with Musk’s declining approval ratings compared to Trump’s, which Democrats may have leveraged in the Wisconsin elections. His backing of Brad Schimel ultimately backfired when Susan Crawford defeated him, preserving a liberal majority in the state Supreme Court.

After the loss, Musk reflected on the campaign, acknowledging the inherent value in the defeat: “I expected to lose, but there is value to losing a piece for a positional gain,” he noted on social media at an early morning hour. The implication is clear, as debates around Musk’s role and future direction in DOGE and beyond continue to unfold amidst a complicated political backdrop.

Original Source: www.pbs.org