Elon Musk exits Trump administration after disagreement over ‘big, beautiful bill’

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stepped down from his role as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), quietly parting ways with the Trump administration just two days before his scheduled term was set to end.

Musk, who had been serving as a special government employee for a 130-day term, left without prior discussion with President Donald Trump. White House officials confirmed his early departure.

Known for his unconventional approach and frequent run-ins with federal agencies, Musk had taken on the role with the goal of reducing government waste.

However, sources suggest that frustration with the administration's recent policies, particularly a sweeping legislative proposal, played a key role in his decision to exit.

The proposed “big, beautiful bill,” a 1,000-page draft being prepared by the Trump administration, includes sweeping tax cuts and stricter immigration measures.

Musk publicly criticised the bill, stating it involved excessive spending that would widen the federal deficit by $3.9 trillion by 2034, undermining the very objectives of DOGE.

Read: Elon Musk’s family grows as he welcomes his 14th child

“I think a bill can be big, or it can be beautiful, but I don’t know if it can be both. My personal opinion,” he said in an interview. 

In a formal statement on X, Musk said, “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

Musk, who served without pay, took charge of DOGE with a commitment to cutting inefficiencies across the federal bureaucracy.

He later admitted that the scope of dysfunction was far worse than anticipated, comparing reform efforts in Washington to “fighting a war.”

During his tenure, Musk reportedly oversaw efforts that contributed to a 12% reduction in federal employees, with 260,000 positions cut from a total workforce of 2.3 million, according to media reports.

However, his political involvement also drew criticism from Tesla investors, who urged him to refocus on the company amid financial challenges.

Musk, while defending his government role, acknowledged the need to scale back his political activities and concentrate on Tesla’s operations moving forward.

The White House clarified that while Musk oversaw DOGE’s operations, he was never a formal government employee.

Elon Musk’s stint in Washington may have ended, but the imprint of his bold, unorthodox leadership remains, marking yet another turbulent chapter in his career.