Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced that his role in the Trump administration has come “to an end”. Musk had been serving as a Special Government Employee while leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While in charge of DOGE, Musk led efforts to downsize the federal workforce, aligning with the Trump administration’s goal to cut government spending.
“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,” Musk posted on X, the social media platform that he owns. “The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government,” he added.
His announcement followed comments he made during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, where he expressed concern that President Trump’s large tax and spending cuts could increase the national deficit and work against DOGE’s objectives. He said he was disappointed with what Trump has referred to as his signature bill, which includes a mix of tax reductions and stricter immigration measures.
Musk described the bill as a large spending package that would increase the national deficit and hurt the efforts of DOGE. He questioned whether the bill could be both impressive and effective at the same time.
Responding from the Oval Office on Wednesday, President Trump defended the bill, acknowledging there were parts he wasn’t pleased with but noting that some elements made him very happy. He also said changes could still be made and that the bill was far from final.
The bill recently passed the House and is now being debated in the Senate. Musk’s concerns reflect those of some Republican lawmakers. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he understood Musk’s frustration and expressed confidence that there was enough resistance in Congress to slow the bill down until more serious action is taken to reduce government spending. He added that no amount of pressure from Trump would make him change his position.