Washington, USA: Elon Musk Steps Down from Trump Administration Role Amid Policy Disputes

Billionaire and tech magnate Elon Musk has officially stepped away from his advisory role in the Trump administration, concluding his short-lived but widely publicized position as a Special Government Employee focused on curbing federal inefficiencies.

Musk's resignation comes at a time of internal Republican conflict over President Trump's controversial fiscal package, alongside intensifying scrutiny of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which Musk headed.

Key Highlights:

1. Announcement on X (formerly Twitter): Musk wrote, "As my time as a Special Government Employee concludes, I'm grateful to President @realDonaldTrump for entrusting me with the mission to cut wasteful spending." A White House source later confirmed his departure.
2. Policy Disagreement Sparks Exit: Musk's resignation follows his criticism of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act," a major legislative initiative combining tax breaks with sweeping budget cuts.
3. 'Big or Beautiful, Not Both': During a CBS interview, Musk remarked, "You can have a bill that's big or beautiful, but I'm not sure it can be both," describing the proposal as a "massive spend" that worsens the deficit.
4. GOP Support for Musk's Stance: Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) voiced support for Musk's concerns, saying he understands Musk's frustration and noting significant GOP resistance to the bill unless it addresses budgetary discipline.
5. Trump Responds to Critics: Trump defended the proposal, acknowledging imperfections but emphasizing its benefits. "It's a work in progress," he said, calling it a necessary compromise.
6. DOGE Criticized: In a conversation with The Washington Post, Musk said Doge became a scapegoat. "Anything that went wrong in government somehow got blamed on us, even if we weren't involved," he said.
7. Trump Foreshadowed Musk's Departure: As early as March, Trump hinted Musk's role might be temporary, telling Politico, "He's incredible, but he's got a major company to manage. Eventually, he'll want to return to that."
8. Structural Challenges: Musk cited deep-rooted bureaucracy as the main hurdle to reform, noting, "The situation is far more complex than I had imagined." Despite layoffs that reduced federal staff, he admitted Doge didn't achieve all its objectives.
9. Personal and Business Repercussions: Musk's involvement in politics had tangible impacts on his companies. Tesla dealt with protests and even fire-related vandalism. "Why burn a Tesla? That's just not right," he commented.
10. Shift Back to Tech and Away from Politics: After his exit from politics—and following a SpaceX Starship mishap over the Indian Ocean—Musk has recommitted to his private ventures. He also stated he'd be stepping back from political activity after investing around $250 million in support of Trump.