The White House confirms Musk's departure: DOGE mission comes to a conclusion, TSL returns to the spotlight.

According to the latest confirmation from U.S. White House officials, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is about to officially resign from his position as a Special Government Employee (SGE) in the Trump administration, and the related work of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) that he leads will also be coming to an end. The White House stated that Musk’s departure process will officially begin tonight local time (May 29, 2025).

Elon Musk’s DOGE mission: a brief but intense storm of reform

On January 20, 2025, the first day of Trump’s presidency of the United States, he formally established the “Department of Government Efficiency” by executive order, a temporary organization designed to optimize the efficiency of federal agencies through modern technology and business logic. Musk, who leads the department as a special government employee, has been granted a near-“unlimited mandate” by Trump to try to reshape the U.S. federal bureaucracy in his usual subversive style. DOGE’s goals are to cut government waste, fight fraud, and plan to complete its mission and dissolve on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

In just a few months, DOGE has sparked a reform storm under Musk’s leadership. According to data from the DOGE official website, as of April 20, 2025, the department has saved approximately $160 billion in federal government spending, involving several core agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Department of the Treasury. Musk’s team has attempted to implant corporate management concepts into government operations by reducing redundancy, optimizing processes, and introducing technological means. However, this series of radical reforms has also triggered significant controversy. Musk has publicly accused the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of improper spending on projects like “transgender opera” and “color revolutions,” and even exposed its support for drug production in Afghanistan, causing an outcry in public opinion.

The actions of DOGE have provoked a strong backlash across the United States. On March 29, 2025, protests against Musk and DOGE erupted in multiple locations, including California and New York, with demonstrators holding signs that read “Musk Out,” accusing him of undermining the stability of federal agencies through his layoffs. Tesla stores and charging stations have been frequently vandalized, and Musk even referred to this as “terroristic behavior.” Additionally, Democratic lawmakers have repeatedly questioned Musk’s status as a “special government employee,” arguing that he lacks transparency and oversight, which could pose a threat to national security.

Multiple considerations behind resignation

On May 28, Musk posted on his social media platform X, officially announcing the end of his special government employee term and thanking Trump for giving him the opportunity to reduce government waste. He stated that the mission of DOGE will be “integrated into the daily practices of the government, continuously strengthened.” This statement serves as a summary of past work and also hints at his confidence in future government efficiency reforms. However, behind the decision to resign, complex factors are intertwined.

Musk’s 130-day special government employee tenure limit is the direct reason. According to relevant U.S. regulations, special government employees may not serve more than 130 days per year, and Musk’s tenure will expire at the end of May, starting from Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Although service time can be extended by reducing attendance days, Musk has clearly stated that he will significantly reduce the time allocated to DOGE and return to core businesses such as TSL.

Tesla’s financial pressure may be the key to Musk’s return. In April 2025, Tesla’s financial report showed a 71% drop in profits, putting pressure on the stock price. Musk admitted during the earnings call that his work with the government has led to the company’s stock price slump.

The tense relationship between Musk and the Trump administration cannot be ignored. According to Reuters, Musk’s conflicts with cabinet members such as Secretary of State Rubio and Transportation Secretary Duffy have intensified recently, with differences over layoffs and policy direction becoming increasingly evident. On May 27, Musk publicly criticized the “Great American Outdoors Act” promoted by Trump, arguing that its spending scale was too large and undermined efforts to reduce the deficit for DOGE. This statement was seen as one of the triggers for his departure.

Future Outlook: Where is DOGE headed?

Musk’s departure has sparked widespread speculation about the future direction of DOGE. The White House has yet to announce information about a successor, but The Wall Street Journal reported that about 100 DOGE employees will remain in various federal departments to continue driving reforms. Trump has stated that the mission of DOGE will be completed by July 4, 2026, but Musk’s early departure may cast a shadow over this goal.

For Musk, returning to TSL and SpaceX is undoubtedly a top priority. On May 27, he personally observed the SpaceX “Starship” test flight, showing his focus on core business. In addition, Musk announced that he would significantly reduce political donations, focusing on business operations in an attempt to quell public dissatisfaction arising from his political activities.

Written at the end

Musk’s departure is not only a shift in his personal role but also reflects the complex landscape of power struggles and reform dilemmas within the Trump administration. The brief existence of DOGE has brought significant results, yet it has also faced controversy due to its radical style. In the future, as Musk returns to the business world, TSL and SpaceX may usher in a new wave of growth momentum, while the path of efficiency reforms in the U.S. government still needs to continue exploring amidst controversy and balance.

This article only represents the author’s personal views and does not reflect the position and views of this platform. This article is for information sharing only and does not constitute any investment advice to anyone.

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