Report: Elon Musk stepping down from DOGE in ‘coming weeks’
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla who has been heading up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is stepping down from his role in President Donald Trump’s administration in the near future, a report claims.
Citing a senior official at the Trump administration, Politico said the president broke the news to his “inner circle,” including his cabinet. Musk is expected to leave his post in the “coming weeks,” the outlet wrote.
However, despite an alleged internal agreement between Trump and Musk that the latter should return to his business in the private sector, the report claims Musk will be kept on in a supportive role of some kind—an informal position, like an advisor.
Politico's source said anyone who thinks Musk will vanish entirely is “fooling themselves.” However, the timing aligns with the end of the billionaire’s role as “special government employee.” Once that protection expires, if Musk remains formally in the administration, he would be subject to ethics and reporting rules.
The special employee designation and Musk’s work in DOGE is expected to end in late May or early June at the latest, journalists claimed.
The White House has denied the report, calling it “garbage,” adding that Musk’s departure from DOGE was always part of the plan.
“Elon Musk and President Trump have both publicly stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt wrote on Twitter/X.
Other outlets have confirmed Politico's coverage with their own sources, including ABC News. On Monday, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Musk would be leaving, but he didn't provide a timetable.
“I think he's been amazing, but I also think he's got a big company to run,” the President said. "And at some point, he's going to be going back. He wants to."
It’s unclear if his departure will happen sooner rather than later, as the special government employee label only legally lasts for 130 days.
This is a developing story.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.