Elon Musk’s Government Role Nears End, But His Influence on DOGE May Linger
Elon Musk’s high-profile, temporary role in the U.S. federal government as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) appears to be nearing its conclusion, according to multiple confirmations from the White House and other officials. Despite rampant speculation and conflicting statements in recent weeks, the reality is that Musk has not officially stepped down, but is expected to exit by early June as his 130-day tenure as a special government employee draws to a close.
The Limits of Musk’s Government Tenure
Musk’s appointment to lead DOGE came under the “special government employee” designation, which legally caps service to 130 days within a 365-day period. This rule places his departure window in late May or early June 2025, assuming he started shortly after President Trump’s second inauguration. While this role is inherently temporary, Musk’s time in government has been anything but quiet.
According to the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority, the 130-day limit is a “good faith estimate,” but even if Musk continues performing duties beyond this timeframe, he would still be classified under the same designation without permanent employment status.
Conflicting Reports, Political Jockeying
Public statements about Musk’s future in the administration have been mixed. President Trump has acknowledged Musk’s eventual departure, saying in a March 31 Oval Office briefing, “I think he’s been amazing, but I also think he’s got a big company to run.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on April 15 that Musk “hasn’t gone anywhere” and reiterated that he would exit only once his work is complete. She rejected reports suggesting a sudden resignation, calling them “garbage.” Musk himself dismissed rumors of his early exit as “fake news.”
Still, behind closed doors, members of Trump’s cabinet have reportedly been told that Musk’s role will soon conclude, and that he’ll transition to a more advisory position rather than maintaining his current title.
DOGE’s Performance and Controversy
Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE claims to have saved $155 billion in federal spending, about $960 per taxpayer. However, earlier projections had anticipated savings of up to $1 trillion by May. That forecast has since been downgraded. On April 11, Musk announced a new estimate of just $150 billion in projected savings for fiscal year 2026.
DOGE’s methods have drawn both praise and criticism. Some officials have complained about Musk’s uncoordinated cost-cutting decisions, including one that reportedly led to the ouster of the IRS commissioner. A controversial requirement for federal employees to send weekly productivity emails drew legal and ethical scrutiny after the Office of Personnel Management stated participation was voluntary.
Political Fallout and Public Image
Musk’s political footprint has grown in tandem with his government role, but so has the backlash. A recent judicial election in Wisconsin, where a Musk-backed candidate lost to liberal judge Susan Crawford, was widely seen as a referendum on Musk’s influence and the broader Trump-Musk alliance. Musk had invested heavily in the race, which became the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history.
Musk has also reportedly grown weary of partisan attacks. According to The Washington Post, he is “tired of the litany of vicious and unethical attacks from the left” and views his upcoming departure as a return to focus on Tesla and SpaceX. Analysts like Wedbush’s Dan Ives have urged Musk to exit government entirely, arguing that Tesla is in a “code red” situation and urgently needs Musk’s full attention.
The Future of DOGE and the $5,000 Checks
As Musk exits, questions remain about DOGE’s continuity and its marquee policy initiative, the proposed $5,000 stimulus checks. Musk has made it clear that distribution of these checks is ultimately up to Congress and the President, not him. “It’s somewhat up to Congress and maybe the president… as to whether specific checks are cut,” he said at a rally in Wisconsin on March 30.
According to Vice President J.D. Vance, DOGE will continue its operations beyond Musk’s tenure. “The work of DOGE is not even close to done,” Vance told Fox News, adding that Musk would remain “a friend and an adviser” even after his departure.