Elon Musk Steps Down from DOGE Role, Criticizes Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

Billionaire entrepreneur and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has formally ended his tenure as a Special Government Employee in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role he held for 130 days. In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Musk thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for the opportunity, while also expressing concern over the administration’s latest tax legislation. “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Elon Musk wrote. “The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

A White House official confirmed Musk’s departure, noting that his off-boarding process had begun. The announcement comes just one day after Musk voiced disappointment in Trump’s signature tax bill, calling it a “massive spending bill” that contradicts DOGE’s efficiency goals. “I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful,” Musk said in a CBS interview. “But I don’t know if it could be both.” The legislation, which blends tax cuts with tougher immigration enforcement, has drawn mixed reactions even among Republicans. Musk’s critique echoed the concerns of lawmakers like Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who said the bill increases the federal deficit and undermines efforts to rein in spending.

Elon Musk’s relationship with Trump, once perceived as collaborative, has shown recent signs of strain. Despite their public appearances together—including one as recently as March 14, 2025, at the White House—the Tesla CEO’s remarks signal growing unease with the administration’s fiscal priorities. While President Trump defended the legislation, calling parts of it “thrilling,” he admitted there were aspects he was not happy with and hinted at possible revisions. “We are going to see what happens,” he said from the Oval Office.

House Speaker Mike Johnson urged the Senate to preserve the bill’s “delicate balance,” warning that major changes could derail its passage. In his farewell remarks, Elon Musk reiterated his commitment to corporate responsibilities, saying he would now refocus on Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures. He also stated he would scale back political donations, concluding, “I think I’ve done enough.” The White House confirmed that DOGE’s recommendations will continue to shape budget cuts, including a $1.1 billion reduction to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $8.3 billion in foreign aid.