Elon Musk’s Departure From DOGE: Truth or Fiction?
According to Politico’s sources, Musk was set to leave his position at the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) “within weeks” and would be taking a step back to concentrate on his companies, reported Daily Mail. The report had portrayed Musk as an “unpredictable” individual who had brought inner conflict and political instability to the administration, most notably clashing with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to Daily Mail.
This “scoop” is garbage.
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. https://t.co/Brppff6SKi
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) April 2, 2025
Nonetheless, the White House has rapidly objected to these allegations, terming the Politico story “garbage” and “fake news,” as per Daily Mail. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X (previously Twitter) that both President Trump and Musk had publicly committed to the fact that Musk would leave public service only after he finished working on DOGE, reported Daily Mail. Musk himself seconded Leavitt’s opinion, reposting her post and calling the report “fake news,” according to the report. Even Musk’s father, Errol, assured that his son would never leave DOGE until his obligations were met, reported Daily Mail.
Political Rivalries
After the Politico report was published, there was even more wild speculation in political circles, as many claimed that Musk had been forced out of the administration by rivals, reported Daily Mail. According to Daily Mail’s insiders Wiles might have manipulated media coverage by giving the information to Politico about Musk leaving the administration.
Financial Pressure Behind Musk’s Exit
However, apart from Musk’s political rivalries, there are financial incentives for him to get out of his DOGE role sooner rather than later, Daily Mail reported. His involvement with DOGE has led to widespread protests, boycotts and violent attacks on Tesla stores and vehicles around the world, causing his Tesla stock to fall, according to the report.
Even Musk said on Sunday, “My Tesla stock and the stock of everyone who holds Tesla has gone, went roughly in half. This is a very expensive job is what I’m saying,” quoted Daily Mail.
The Tesla CEO was also pressured by his investors to give up DOGE’s role, with one New York Pension Fund calling on Monday for a shareholder lawsuit against Tesla, accusing Musk of causing the company’s shares to plunge because of his work at DOGE, Daily Mail reported. While there are indications that if Musk leaves DOGE, Tesla stock will rebound as it increased 5% after the Politico report was published on Wednesday, according to Daily Mail.
130 Days Commitment
However, the White House and Daily Mail’s sources close to the administration claimed that Musk’s tenure with DOGE will end only when his work has been completed, as per the report. Musk’s work would get done by the end of May due to his status as a ‘special government employee’, reported Daily Mail.
As per the Office of Government Ethics, special government employees are only permitted to work for the federal government for “130 days in a 365-day period,” Daily Mail reported. The billionaire’s 130-day period would end on May 30, according to the report.
FAQs
Is Elon Musk really leaving the Trump administration?
The White House denies the reports, saying Musk will leave only once his work at DOGE is complete.
Why are people speculating about Musk leaving DOGE?
A Politico report claimed Musk was stepping back due to internal conflicts and his political influence.
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