Elon Musk’s days of working directly from the White House have ended. The tech mogul, known for his bold leadership at Tesla and SpaceX, is shifting away from his hands-on role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The New York Post reported that Musk is no longer a regular presence at the White House, transitioning to phone-based communication with administration officials. This change marks his departure from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where DOGE operates near the Oval Office.
His team, however, remains active in the same location. During Trump’s early months in office, Musk was a fixture in high-level discussions.
He briefed Trump in the Oval Office, joined cabinet meetings, and frequently traveled with the president on Air Force One, often accompanied by his son, X. These activities highlighted Musk’s significant influence within the administration.
Musk spearheaded ambitious efforts to slash the federal deficit by $1 trillion, aiming to cut it in half. His initiatives targeted agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development, with its 10,000 employees, and the 1,700-person Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The precise savings from these efforts remain unclear. The Education Department, the Pentagon, and various smaller agencies also faced Musk’s cost-cutting scrutiny.
His aggressive approach to streamlining government spending made him a polarizing figure, particularly among Democrats. Critics labeled his tactics as reckless, while supporters praised his efficiency.
Musk’s actions stirred significant backlash, including vandalism against Tesla vehicles and charging stations. In response, Trump publicly purchased a Tesla electric vehicle on the White House lawn on March 11, signaling strong support for Musk. The president also urged the Justice Department to treat the vandals as domestic terrorists.
Last week, Musk announced on a Tesla earnings call that he will focus more time on his company starting next month. He noted that the primary work of establishing DOGE has been completed. This shift aligns with his planned transition to an informal advisory role by the end of May.
“Starting next month, I will be allocating far more of my time to Tesla,” Musk said. He emphasized that his major contributions to DOGE are largely finished. Despite stepping back, Musk expressed willingness to dedicate one or two days a week to government matters if needed.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles downplayed the impact of Musk’s physical absence. “Instead of meeting with him in person, I’m talking to him on the phone, but it’s the same net effect,” Wiles said. She emphasized that Musk’s influence remains strong despite the change.
Wiles also confirmed that Musk’s team continues to work diligently in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. “His folks aren’t going anywhere,” she said. This ensures that DOGE’s operations will proceed smoothly even as Musk reduces his direct involvement.
“He’s not out of it altogether,” Wiles added. “He’s just not physically present as much as he was.” Her comments suggest that Musk’s transition will not derail the administration’s efficiency goals.
The shift to an advisory role raises questions about how often Musk will return to the White House. His status as an unpaid special government employee is set to conclude by May’s end. The frequency of his future visits remains uncertain.
Musk’s cost-cutting measures have cemented his reputation as a controversial yet impactful figure. Democrats have criticized his aggressive approach, arguing it undermines essential government functions. Supporters, however, view his efforts as a necessary antidote to bureaucratic excess.
Trump’s public support, including his Tesla purchase, underscores Musk’s importance to the administration’s agenda. The president’s call for harsh penalties against vandals further highlights the administration’s commitment to protecting Musk’s interests. These actions reflect the deep ties between Trump and the tech billionaire.