In a post on X, the tech billionaire thanked Trump for the opportunity to help run the Department of Government Efficiency, known as Doge.
The White House began “offboarding” Musk as a special government employee on Wednesday night, the BBC understands.
His role was temporary and his exit is not unexpected, but it comes a day after he criticised the legislative centrepiece of Trump’s agenda.
Musk told the BBC’s US partner CBS News he was “disappointed” by the plan, which he felt “undermines” the work he did for the president on reducing spending.
Tap the link in @BBCNews‘s bio to read what he achieved during his time with the administration.
(📸 Getty)
In a surprising yet emblematic move, tech billionaire Elon Musk has announced his departure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, citing the completion of his goal to help streamline and reduce federal bureaucracy. Musk, known for his dynamic leadership of companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, had long advocated for innovation not only in the private sector but also in government operations. His decision to step away from his advisory role comes amid a broader conversation about the relationship between government and innovation, and how the private sector can influence public administration.
Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration was initially controversial, particularly given Trump’s polarizing policies and rhetoric. Many observers questioned why a figure as progressive and forward-looking as Musk would agree to serve in any advisory capacity under an administration widely seen as skeptical of climate science and heavy on deregulation. Musk, however, made it clear from the beginning that his participation was rooted in a desire to drive change from within and to advocate for sustainability, technological advancement, and streamlined government operations.
According to sources close to the matter, Musk joined the administration’s advisory councils with three primary goals: to promote innovation, to encourage investment in renewable energy, and to assist in reducing the often-crippling layers of federal bureaucracy that stifle entrepreneurship. By advocating for clearer regulatory pathways for electric vehicles, space exploration, and clean energy initiatives, Musk hoped to create an environment where the public and private sectors could collaborate more effectively.
One of the most significant contributions Musk is credited with during his tenure was his influence on simplifying federal procedures for launching space missions. Under his input, the administration reportedly moved toward more efficient licensing processes for commercial spaceflight, reducing the time and red tape previously required for companies like SpaceX to receive launch approvals. This reform was particularly notable in an era where the United States aims to reassert leadership in space, not only through NASA but also in partnership with private enterprises.
Moreover, Musk played a behind-the-scenes role in advocating for the streamlining of federal grant application procedures for green energy projects. By pushing for less cumbersome paperwork and more transparent criteria, he sought to accelerate the deployment of solar, battery storage, and EV infrastructure. This aligned with his broader vision of a carbon-free economy and helped maintain momentum in sectors that could otherwise be paralyzed by bureaucratic inertia.
Still, Musk’s association with Trump was not without friction. One of the most publicized rifts occurred in 2017, when the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement. Musk immediately resigned from two White House advisory councils in protest, stating that environmental sustainability was non-negotiable. Despite this early break, he returned to dialogue with the administration when it became clear that bipartisan cooperation was necessary for advancing technological reform in government processes.
His most recent exit, however, is said to be on much more amicable terms. In a statement posted to social media, Musk wrote, “My mission within the administration was to improve efficiency and advocate for policies that support American innovation. Having accomplished meaningful reforms in reducing bureaucracy, it’s time to focus fully on the future — on Mars, on sustainable energy, and on AI safety.” This declaration not only reflects his personal priorities but also indicates his belief that his contribution to public service has reached a logical conclusion.
Reactions to Musk’s departure have been mixed. Supporters praise him for taking a pragmatic approach to government collaboration, arguing that his influence helped modernize outdated systems and remove unnecessary hurdles for innovative businesses. Critics, however, argue that his proximity to a controversial administration risked lending it undue legitimacy, and that any reforms achieved were minimal compared to the scale of systemic inefficiencies in the federal bureaucracy.
Regardless of one’s perspective, it is clear that Musk’s departure marks the end of a unique chapter in the intersection between Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. His time in the administration serves as a case study in what happens when visionary entrepreneurs engage directly with governmental processes — a terrain often hostile to disruption and wary of rapid change.
Looking forward, Musk’s departure from the administration is unlikely to diminish his influence on public policy. He continues to be a powerful voice in shaping the national discourse on energy, transportation, and space. His companies remain central to the United States’ technological ambitions, and his personal platform — bolstered by millions of followers and a network of business leaders — ensures that his opinions will still carry significant weight.
In the broader scheme, Musk’s brief tenure in government advisory circles raises questions about how future administrations will incorporate tech leaders. Will governments invite more industry pioneers into the policymaking process? Can such partnerships yield real, lasting change without compromising integrity or values?
As Elon Musk returns his focus to Tesla’s next generation of vehicles, SpaceX’s Mars ambitions, and AI development at xAI, his departure from the Trump administration will be remembered as both a bold experiment and a moment of pragmatic intervention. Whether one agrees with his methods or not, Musk has once again demonstrated a fundamental truth of his career: he is unafraid to step into unfamiliar arenas if it means pushing the world — and even the government — toward a more efficient and ambitious future.
