Why Elon Musk wants to dump Trump administration
Elon Musk is expected to leave his role as a special government employee in the Trump administration, particularly from his position within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), by the end of May 2025.
This decision follows a series of political setbacks and declining public favorability ratings for both Musk and the initiatives he has supported.
Musk was appointed as a special government employee on January 20, 2025, which limits his workdays to 130 per year. As he approaches this cap, discussions have intensified regarding his future involvement in government roles.
President Trump has acknowledged that while Musk has been an “amazing” asset, he also has significant business responsibilities with Tesla and SpaceX that require his attention.
Political setbacks
Musk’s recent political activities have faced considerable backlash, particularly highlighted by the defeat of a Trump-endorsed candidate in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
Musk invested heavily—around $20 million—in this campaign, which was perceived as a referendum on both his influence and Trump’s policies. The liberal candidate won decisively, indicating a rejection of Musk’s approach and further complicating his standing within the administration.
The fallout from Musk’s political engagements has negatively impacted Tesla’s brand perception among consumers, especially Democrats.
Research indicates that self-identified Democratic consumers are increasingly distancing themselves from Tesla due to Musk’s alignment with Trump. This shift is reflected in Tesla’s declining sales figures; the company reported a 13% drop in sales during the first quarter of 2025 compared to previous periods.
While there are indications that Musk will step back from direct involvement in government operations soon, it is unlikely that he will completely sever ties with Trump or Republican politics.
His financial backing remains crucial for many GOP candidates, and both he and Trump have publicly dismissed reports about tensions between them as “fake news”.
However, as public sentiment continues to shift against him, it may become increasingly difficult for him to maintain his current level of influence without further damaging both his personal brand and Tesla’s market position.
