Department of Research, Studies and International News 03-04-2025

Elon Musk’s tenure in the Trump administration appears to be nearing its end, as the billionaire entrepreneur approaches the legal cap on his time in government service. Insiders suggest that Musk will soon step down from his role, aligning with regulations that restrict his service to 130 days.

Musk’s Departure Timeline

Musk, who has played a controversial role in reshaping federal bureaucracy, is expected to leave in the coming weeks. Speaking to reporters on Monday, former President Donald Trump acknowledged Musk’s limited time in government.

“He’s got a big company to run … at some point he’s going to be going back,” Trump stated, while also expressing his desire to retain Musk’s services for as long as possible.

The 130-day restriction for special government employees means Musk’s tenure will likely conclude by late May, depending on when the countdown began. Despite previous claims from the White House that Musk would remain in his position indefinitely, recent reports indicate otherwise.

On Wednesday, Politico reported that Musk’s departure was imminent. However, the billionaire quickly dismissed the report as “fake news.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also refuted the claim, calling it “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,” Leavitt asserted.

Although the White House has not officially commented further, sources suggest that Musk’s exit is a matter of time.

The Continuation of the ‘Doge’ Initiative

Despite Musk’s anticipated departure, his signature initiative, the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge), is expected to remain active. Established through a Trump executive order, Doge is set to continue operating until 2026.

Since joining the administration in January, Musk has spearheaded aggressive measures to streamline the federal workforce, often using drastic tactics. Doge’s efforts have led to sweeping layoffs and the restructuring of multiple government agencies.

Under Musk’s direction, the initiative has eliminated approximately 10,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services in a single week. Additionally, it has moved to dismantle agencies such as USAID, which focuses on humanitarian aid, and Voice of America, a state-backed global media outlet.

The impact of Musk’s reforms has been met with sharp criticism. According to the New York Times, an estimated 56,000 federal jobs have been cut since January 20, with another 75,000 employees accepting voluntary buyouts. Plans for further reductions could affect an additional 171,000 positions.

Public sentiment toward Doge remains mixed. A Marquette Law School poll found that only 41% of Americans approve of the initiative’s efforts. Musk’s personal favorability rating was even lower, standing at just 38%. A separate Quinnipiac poll conducted in mid-March revealed that more than half of Americans believe Musk’s involvement in government has been detrimental to the country.

Financial Implications and Ethical Concerns

Despite the backlash, Musk and Doge claim to have saved the government approximately $140 billion. However, some analysts have raised doubts about the accuracy of these figures. Speaking to Fox News, Musk asserted that he aims to achieve “most of the work required to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion” before his departure.

Musk’s involvement in government has also sparked ethical concerns, particularly given his extensive business ties with federal agencies. As a special government employee, his financial disclosure forms remain confidential, shielding potential conflicts of interest from public scrutiny.

Among the most contentious issues is USAID’s recent investigation into the oversight of Starlink terminals sent to Ukraine. Additionally, Musk’s social media platform, X, faced scrutiny from the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau just days after the agency proposed a rule that could impact technology companies working with financial services, potentially disrupting X’s planned partnership with Visa.

Political Backlash

Musk’s role in the Trump administration has also drawn increasing political attacks from Democrats. His recent $20 million investment in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race has further fueled criticism. In response, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker took to the Senate floor in protest, delivering the longest speech in the chamber’s history, over 24 hours, denouncing Musk and Trump’s policies.

As Musk’s time in public service winds down, his departure is unlikely to silence the ongoing debates surrounding his influence in both government and business. While Doge may persist beyond his tenure, its long-term effects on federal agencies, the workforce, and public perception remain uncertain.