Elon Musk has resigned from his position as a Special Government Employee in Donald Trump's administration, effective May 29, 2025. The resignation follows Musk's criticism of Trump's budget bill, which he believes will worsen the federal deficit. Musk announced his departure on X, thanking President Trump for the opportunity.
Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative to modernize federal technology and cut costs, since its establishment on January 20, 2025. He expressed disappointment with the bill's multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks and increased defense spending in an interview with CBS on May 27, 2025.
Musk stated that the DOGE mission would continue despite his departure. He had previously indicated his intention to step back due to increasing criticism of the DOGE initiative and legal challenges. Musk affirmed his commitment to leading Tesla for at least the next five years at an economic forum in Doha, Qatar, on May 20, 2025.