Elon Musk’s controversial position as head of the U.S. President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency might be nearing its conclusion, as Trump informed journalists that “eventually, he’ll have to return” to managing his businesses.
The White House has not provided a specific schedule for shutting down DOGE, and the governmental cost-reduction entity was not meant to be a lasting institution in Washington. However, it might conclude sooner than expected. DOGE’s initial plan was to function up until July 4, 2026.
There are indications that this process may be coming to an end. Employees from DOGE are being reassigned to different federal organizations tasked with reducing expenses. Across-the-board job cuts are also happening as part of the efforts outlined by both Musk and Trump.
“We believe that within the coming two or three months, we will be largely content with the individuals who are diligently working and wish to become part of the administration,” Trump stated last week.
Musk was brought on board as a special government employee, allowing him to dedicate just 130 days within a year. Although he hasn’t specified an exit date from his role with the administration, this period coincides with approximately 130 days following Trump’s inauguration, reaching up until May 30th.
On Wednesday, White House officials informed Politico that Musk was set to resign shortly, marking a change from a month prior when White House officials had stated their intention to help Musk exceed the 130-day limitation.
On Tuesday, Musk encountered a disappointment in Wisconsin as voters dismissed his preferred candidate for the state Supreme Court position, even after he contributed over $21 million from his own funds and made a campaign visit over the weekend. Additionally, Tesla, the electric vehicle company he leads, experienced a decline in sales by 13% during the initial quarter of the year.
On Monday at the Oval Office, Trump stated to reporters, “I would maintain his position for as long as possible” and referred to him as “a highly skilled individual.”
I find him incredible, but he also has a large corporation to manage,” Trump stated. “Therefore, at some stage, he will have to return.
When asked whether DOGE could persist without Musk, Trump stated that cabinet members had been collaborating closely with Musk and might retain some of the DOGE personnel at their respective departments.
“But I believe it will come to an end at some point,” he added.
