Musk’s Transition to Unofficial Adviser Role
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has concluded his 130-day tenure as a special government employee leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) but will reportedly continue to serve as an unofficial adviser to President Donald Trump. The news, confirmed by a senior White House official to ABC News, has sparked widespread excitement among Trump supporters, with social media posts on X proclaiming, “INCREDIBLE! Elon Musk will reportedly continue to serve as an unofficial adviser to President Trump, He’s not going ANYWHERE.”
[](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/elon-musk-departing-trump-administration/story?id=122292783)Musk announced his departure from his formal role on May 29, 2025, via a post on X, stating, “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.” He expressed hope that the DOGE mission would become “a way of life throughout the government,” signaling his continued support for government reform despite stepping back from his official position.
[](https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1927877957852266518)
Musk’s Tenure with DOGE
Musk’s role as head of DOGE, established by executive order on January 20, 2025, was marked by ambitious efforts to slash federal spending and streamline government operations. Alongside former partner Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk targeted a $1 trillion reduction in the $7 trillion federal budget, later adjusted to $150 billion by April 2025. DOGE claimed nearly $500 billion in savings through measures like canceling contracts, terminating grants, and reducing the federal workforce by over 260,000 employees. Notable cuts included a $3.3 billion program for the Office of Refugee Resettlement and a $312 million correction of improper Small Business Administration loans.
[](https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/29/tesla-boss-elon-musk-announces-hes-leaving-the-trump-administration)However, the initiative faced criticism for inaccuracies and unintended costs. For example, a claimed $8 billion savings from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement contract was corrected to $8 million, and IRS staff cuts were projected to cost $323 billion in lost tax revenue over a decade. Over 200 lawsuits challenged DOGE’s authority, with critics arguing that its aggressive cuts disrupted essential services like Social Security and public health.
[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/us/politics/elon-musk-trump-doge.html)[](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/elon-musk-departing-trump-administration/story?id=122292783)
Reasons for Musk’s Departure
Musk’s exit from his formal role was not unexpected, as his special government employee status was limited to 130 days, ending around May 30, 2025. However, his departure was accelerated by tensions over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a legislative package featuring tax cuts and enhanced immigration enforcement. Musk criticized the bill in a CBS interview, calling it a “massive spending bill” that increased the federal deficit and undermined DOGE’s cost-cutting efforts.
[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20q54vn0evo)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/doge/elon-musk-says-disappointed-domestic-policy-bill-break-trump-rcna209157)Senior White House officials expressed frustration with Musk’s comments, which came a day before his exit announcement. His disillusionment with Washington’s bureaucracy and the reputational toll on his companies, Tesla and SpaceX, also contributed to his decision. Protests targeting Tesla facilities and investor calls for Musk to focus on his businesses further strained his tenure.
[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/29/elon-musk-doge-moments-trump-administration/)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/elon-musk-leaving-trump-administration-white-house-official-confirms-2025-05-29/)
Continued Influence as Unofficial Adviser
Despite stepping down, Musk’s role as an unofficial adviser ensures his enduring influence in the Trump administration. A White House official noted that Musk could still attend meetings and provide input on policy, leveraging his close relationship with Trump, forged through a $250–$300 million investment in Trump’s 2024 campaign. Musk’s earlier commitment to donate $100 million to Trump-aligned groups for the 2026 midterms has not yet materialized, but his advisory role suggests continued political engagement, albeit at a reduced level.
[](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/elon-musk-departing-trump-administration/story?id=122292783)[](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/29/elon-musk-announces-exit-from-us-government-role-after-breaking-with-trump-on-tax-bill)[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/us/politics/elon-musk-trump-doge.html)Posts on X reflect strong support for Musk’s continued involvement, with users like @PamBondiNewsX and @cb_doge celebrating his commitment to Trump. However, a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll showed 57% of Americans disapprove of Musk’s DOGE leadership, indicating polarized public sentiment.
[](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/elon-musk-departing-trump-administration/story?id=122292783)
Implications for Trump’s Administration
Musk’s transition to an unofficial role allows him to maintain influence without the constraints of government employment, potentially sidestepping legal and bureaucratic obstacles. His involvement in high-level discussions, such as calls with world leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, underscores his access to Trump’s inner circle. This arrangement could enable Musk to shape policies on trade, technology, and government efficiency while focusing on his businesses.
[](https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-donald-trump-feud-relationship-timeline-2022-7)However, the fracture over the spending bill highlights potential challenges. Republican lawmakers like Senator Ron Johnson, who share Musk’s concerns about deficit spending, suggest internal divisions could complicate Trump’s legislative agenda. Musk’s criticism of tariffs, a key Trump policy, further signals ideological differences, particularly given Tesla’s reliance on global markets like China.
[](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/elon-musk-leaving-trump-administration-after-efforts-to-slash-federal-budget-through-doge)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/29/elon-musk-doge-moments-trump-administration/)
Economic and Political Context
Musk’s advisory role comes at a time of economic uncertainty. Trump’s tariffs, recently reinstated by an appeals court, have raised concerns about inflation and supply chain disruptions, which could impact Tesla’s operations. Meanwhile, DOGE’s cuts, while celebrated by supporters, have led to service disruptions and lawsuits, with critics warning of long-term economic costs, such as $135 billion in losses from federal workforce reductions.
[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/us/politics/elon-musk-trump-doge.html)Musk’s influence as an adviser could steer Trump’s policies toward innovation and deregulation, aligning with his vision for public-private partnerships. His visit to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, praised by Director Tulsi Gabbard for advancing technological tools, suggests a focus on integrating private-sector expertise into government.
[](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/elon-musk-departing-trump-administration/story?id=122292783)
Public and Media Reactions
The announcement of Musk’s continued advisory role has energized Trump’s base, with X posts from users like @MAGAVoice and @ExxAlerts framing it as a “huge win” for the administration. However, media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post note Musk’s frustrations with Washington, suggesting his influence may wane if tensions persist.
[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/us/politics/elon-musk-trump-doge.html)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/28/elon-musk-leaves-trump-government-doge/)Critics, including the Partnership for Public Service, argue that Musk’s DOGE tenure caused chaos, with errors like the accidental firing of 26,000 workers. Supporters, however, credit him with exposing waste, such as $56,000 spent on watering plants at the VA. The polarized reactions reflect broader divides over Musk’s role in shaping U.S. policy.
Looking Ahead: Musk’s Influence and Challenges
As an unofficial adviser, Musk is poised to maintain significant sway over Trump’s agenda, particularly in areas like technology and fiscal policy. His proposed “DOGE Dividend,” a $5,000 rebate for taxpayers, remains under consideration, though its feasibility depends on verified savings. However, Musk’s reduced political spending—down from $300 million in 2024—and his focus on Tesla and SpaceX may limit his engagement.
[](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/29/elon-musk-announces-exit-from-us-government-role-after-breaking-with-trump-on-tax-bill)The administration faces challenges in sustaining DOGE’s momentum without Musk’s direct leadership. With over 30 lawsuits targeting the agency and public concerns about service cuts, Trump will need to balance reform with stability. Musk’s advisory role could help navigate these issues, but his public break with Trump over the spending bill suggests potential friction ahead.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s transition from leading DOGE to serving as an unofficial adviser to President Trump marks a new phase in his political involvement. While his tenure with DOGE achieved significant, albeit controversial, savings, his continued influence ensures that his vision for government efficiency and innovation will persist. As Trump navigates a complex legislative and economic landscape, Musk’s advisory role could shape key policies, though disagreements over spending and tariffs highlight the delicate balance of their alliance. The public’s divided reactions underscore the high stakes of Musk’s ongoing presence in Washington.
