According to the latest confirmation from U.S. White House officials, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is about to officially resign from his position as a Special Government Employee (SGE) in the Trump administration, where he has been leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The relevant work of this department will also come to an end. The White House stated that Musk's departure process will officially begin tonight (May 29, 2025) local time.
Musk's DOGE Mission: A Brief but Intense Reform Storm
On January 20, 2025, the first day of Trump's presidency, he officially established the Department of Government Efficiency through an executive order, a temporary organization aimed at optimizing the efficiency of federal agencies through modern technology and business logic. Musk, as a Special Government Employee, led this department, granted near "unlimited authority" by Trump, attempting to reshape the U.S. federal bureaucracy in his usual disruptive style. DOGE's goal was to cut government waste, combat fraud, and planned to complete its mission and disband by July 4, 2026—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
In just a few months, DOGE, under Musk's leadership, sparked a reform storm. According to data from the DOGE official website, as of April 20, 2025, the department had saved approximately $160 billion in federal government spending, involving several core agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Department of the Treasury. Musk's team attempted to implant corporate management concepts into government operations by reducing redundant staff, optimizing processes, and introducing technological means. However, this series of radical reforms also sparked significant controversy. Musk publicly accused the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of improper spending on projects like "transgender opera" and "color revolutions," even revealing its support for Afghan drug production, which caused an uproar in public opinion.
DOGE's actions provoked strong backlash across the United States. On March 29, 2025, protests against Musk and DOGE erupted in multiple locations, including California and New York, with demonstrators holding signs reading "Musk Out," accusing his layoff policies of undermining the stability of federal agencies. Tesla stores and charging stations were frequently vandalized, which Musk even referred to as "acts of terrorism." Additionally, Democratic lawmakers repeatedly questioned Musk's status as a "Special Government Employee," arguing that it lacked transparency and oversight, potentially threatening national security.
Multiple Considerations Behind the Departure
On May 28, Musk announced on his social media platform X that he would soon end his term as a Special Government Employee and thanked Trump for the opportunity to reduce government waste. He stated that DOGE's mission would "integrate into the daily practices of government and continue to strengthen." This statement served as both a summary of past work and an indication of his confidence in future government efficiency reforms. However, complex factors are intertwined behind the departure decision.
Musk's 130-day limit as a Special Government Employee is the direct reason. According to U.S. regulations, Special Government Employees cannot serve more than 130 days per year. Counting from Trump's inauguration on January 20, Musk's term will expire at the end of May. Although reducing attendance days could extend service time, Musk clearly stated that he would significantly reduce his time allocation at DOGE and return to core businesses like Tesla.
Tesla's financial pressure may be a key factor driving Musk's return. In April 2025, Tesla's financial report showed a 71% decline in profits, putting pressure on its stock price. Musk admitted during the earnings call that his work in government had led to the company's stock price slump.
Moreover, the tense relationship between Musk and the Trump administration cannot be ignored. Reuters reported that Musk's conflicts with cabinet members such as Secretary of State Rubio and Transportation Secretary Duffy have intensified recently, with growing disagreements over layoffs and policy direction. On May 27, Musk publicly criticized the "Great American Outdoors Act" promoted by Trump, arguing that its spending scale was too large and undermined DOGE's deficit reduction efforts. This statement was seen as one of the triggers for his departure.
Future Outlook: Where Will DOGE Go?
Musk's departure has sparked widespread speculation about the future direction of DOGE. The White House has not yet announced information about a successor, but The Wall Street Journal reported that about 100 DOGE employees will remain in various federal departments to continue pushing for reforms. Trump has stated that DOGE's mission will be completed by July 4, 2026, but Musk's early departure may cast a shadow over this goal.
For Musk, returning to Tesla and SpaceX is undoubtedly a top priority. On May 27, he personally observed the SpaceX "Starship" test flight, showing his focus on core businesses. Additionally, Musk announced that he would significantly reduce political donations and focus on corporate operations, attempting to quell public dissatisfaction arising from his political activities.
In Conclusion
Musk's departure is not only a personal role change but also reflects the complex landscape of power struggles and reform dilemmas within the Trump administration. Although DOGE's brief existence has brought significant results, it has also been mired in controversy due to its radical style. In the future, as Musk returns to the business world, Tesla and SpaceX may usher in a new wave of growth momentum, while the path of efficiency reform in the U.S. government will still need to be explored amid controversy and balance.
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