- Elon Musk has left his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency after completing the 130-day term allowed for special government employees.
- His departure follows mounting internal disagreements over his aggressive cost-cutting measures and management style.
What happened: Elon Musk exits Trump administration after 130-day tenure
Elon Musk has stepped down from his position in the Trump administration just 130 days after being appointed as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to a White House official. His departure, confirmed on 28 May 2025, ends what was described as an unconventional and controversial tenure.
Musk was appointed as a special government employee, a role that allowed him to work up to 130 days per year in an advisory capacity. During his time in office, he focused on slashing federal costs, pushing automation, and proposing sweeping cuts across multiple agencies. However, his approach reportedly caused friction within the administration and among federal staff.
One senior official stated that while Musk’s ideas were “ambitious,” their execution often lacked coordination with existing frameworks. Reports also suggest tensions grew between Musk and top cabinet members, particularly around staffing reductions and agency restructuring.
Also read: Elon Musk’s Starlink launches satellite internet service in Somalia
Also read: Musk, Rubio, and Poland clash over Starlink use in Ukraine
Why it’s important
Musk’s exit highlights ongoing volatility in the Trump administration’s approach to public sector reform. His short-lived leadership at DOGE raises questions about the feasibility of applying private-sector efficiency models to federal bureaucracy.
Critics argued that Musk’s methods, including drastic workforce reductions, were disruptive and poorly adapted to the scale and complexity of government operations. The departure may also reignite debate about the influence of high-profile tech figures in policymaking roles, especially when accountability and public interest are at stake.
Whether DOGE will continue to implement Musk’s proposals remains unclear. The White House has not yet named a successor, and internal reviews are reportedly underway to assess the impact of the department’s recent activities.
