Elon Musk's high-profile tenure in the Trump administration may soon be coming to an end, as President Donald Trump suggested Monday that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO is nearing the final stretch of his role overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
"I think he's been amazing, but I also think he's got a big company to run," Trump said in the Oval Office during a signing ceremony for an executive order on ticket scalping. "At some point, he's going to be going back. He wants to."
Musk, who has operated under the designation of a "special government employee" - a status that caps federal service at 130 days per year - would conclude his government role by the end of May unless reclassified. "I'd keep him as long as I could keep him," Trump added. "He's very smart, and he's done a good job."
Since its launch on Trump's first day back in office, DOGE has led aggressive federal cost-cutting efforts, eliminating tens of thousands of government jobs and freezing billions in grant funding. The department, largely driven by Musk's vision, is slated to sunset on July 4, 2026, per an executive order tying its termination to the nation's 250th anniversary.
Musk told Fox News last week, "I think we will accomplish most of the work required to reduce the deficit by a trillion dollars within that time frame." He also acknowledged that "it has been disadvantageous for me to be in the government, not advantageous," citing declines in Tesla's stock and sales amid backlash tied to his government role.
The tech mogul's close alliance with Trump and growing influence in the administration - from campaigning in Wisconsin to attending Cabinet meetings and directing federal layoffs - has stirred criticism over potential conflicts of interest. SpaceX holds billions in government contracts, raising questions among Democrats about Musk's outsized role in shaping policy while retaining major commercial ties to the federal government.
Musk has become a polarizing political figure. A March NBC News poll found that 51% of Americans view him unfavorably, compared to 39% who view him positively. Tesla facilities have reportedly been targeted by acts of vandalism, which the administration has labeled "domestic terrorism."
Julie Siegel, former deputy federal chief operating officer under the Biden administration, told Fortune that DOGE's reforms have disrupted essential agencies. "At a most basic level, they can't get through and they can't get their benefits," Siegel said, referring to Social Security recipients.
Despite mounting concerns, Trump praised Musk's work. "He's an American patriot," Trump said. "The way he's been treated with Tesla is just terrible. He should not be treated that way. He's done an incredible service for our country."
Musk contributed nearly $300 million to Trump's 2024 campaign and, according to the New York Times, has pledged an additional $100 million to support groups aligned with Trump's political operations.
