Elon Musk’s government role is set to end soon due to legal limits. Trump hints at his departure, while Musk denies reports. What’s next for his controversial tenure?
April 3, 2025
DIGITAL WORLDWIDE NEWS
Andrew Juma
Elon Musk’s government job is ending soon
Elon Musk’s government job is ending soon due to a strict 130-day legal limit for special government employees. If counted from Inauguration Day, his time likely runs out in late May.
Donald Trump confirmed Musk’s exit is near. "He’s got a big company to run," Trump said, adding, “I’d keep him as long as I could.”
The White House denies Musk is leaving soon. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called reports of his departure "garbage." Musk himself dismissed the news as "fake."
However, inside sources told Politico that Musk’s government role will end in the coming weeks. The White House has yet to make an official statement.
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Musk led massive government layoffs through his “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge). Since January, his team has cut 56,000 federal jobs, with another 171,000 planned reductions.
Doge targeted agencies like USAID and Voice of America, slashing programs and restructuring departments. Some agencies lost 10,000 employees in a single week.
Musk’s approval rating is low. A Marquette Law School poll shows only 41% of Americans support Doge, while Musk’s personal likeability stands at 38%.
A Quinnipiac poll found that more than half of Americans believe Musk’s policies have harmed the country. His drastic job cuts and regulatory changes remain highly controversial.
Musk claims to have saved $140 billion in government spending. He told Fox News he aims to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion before leaving.
However, journalists have identified major errors in these savings calculations. Critics argue that Musk’s numbers don’t fully add up.
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Musk’s companies have major government contracts, raising ethical concerns. As a special government employee, he is not required to publicly disclose financial details.
Agencies investigating Musk-linked businesses—such as USAID’s probe into Starlink in Ukraine—have faced heavy cuts under his leadership. Critics see this as a clear conflict of interest.
Musk’s Doge department will continue operating until 2026, even if he steps down. His policies and staff appointments will shape government agencies for years.
Meanwhile, Democrats are increasing their attacks on Musk. Senator Cory Booker recently gave the longest speech in Senate history, speaking over 24 hours against Trump and Musk.
Musk has already spent millions influencing elections, including a recent $20 million investment in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race. He has pledged $100 million to Trump-aligned causes.
Despite his likely government exit, Musk’s political influence isn’t fading. His next moves could further shape both U.S. elections and the economy.