Elon Musk is stepping back from his intense involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), signaling a shift in the Trump administration’s aggressive federal workforce reduction strategy. While DOGE will continue operations, Musk’s reduced presence may lead to more autonomy for Cabinet secretaries and agency heads.
Musk Announces Scale-Back from Washington Duties
Elon Musk stated that his work in Washington is “mostly done,” indicating a shift in his focus back to Tesla and his other companies. This follows a difficult first-quarter earnings call where shareholders expressed concern over Musk’s political involvement. He now plans to devote only one or two days per week to government affairs.
DOGE May Lose Momentum Without Musk at the Helm
Musk’s departure from day-to-day oversight could lessen the influence of DOGE — an initiative that led significant cuts across federal agencies during the early months of Trump’s second term. Without Musk’s direct presence, DOGE may operate at a slower pace, giving more control back to individual agency leaders.
White House and Agency Officials Welcome the Change
Officials within the Trump administration reportedly expressed relief at Musk’s reduced role. His aggressive approach, including demands for staff justifications and massive budget cuts, created tension in several departments. Some Cabinet officials had grown frustrated with his rapid and sometimes disruptive style.
DOGE’s Deep Institutional Footprint Remains
Despite Musk’s pullback, DOGE continues to function with embedded staff across agencies. These personnel, many of whom are political appointees, remain under the authority of their respective agency heads. The General Services Administration, led by Musk ally Stephen Ehikian, continues to serve as a command center for DOGE operations.
Key Figures Still Active in Leadership
Musk’s lieutenants Antonio Gracias and Steve Davis remain actively involved in overseeing DOGE’s initiatives. They coordinate with agency-embedded staff on budget cuts and operational changes. Recent activities include the planned shutdown of the Millennium Challenge Corporation and reviews of federal employment.
Shift in DOGE Objectives Beyond Budget Cuts
While DOGE was originally established to target waste and fraud, its role has expanded. It now participates in broader political priorities, including immigration tracking, defense procurement, and economic visa policies. These developments indicate the group’s enduring influence beyond financial matters.
Frustration and Influence Within the Administration
Some senior officials observed that Musk grew frustrated with the constraints of government, where he lacked full control. His diminishing influence was evident in recent disputes, such as with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who pushed back on DOGE actions at the IRS and made personnel changes.
Cabinet Officials Express Diverging Views
At the Department of Defense, Secretary Pete Hegseth has supported DOGE publicly but harbored private concerns about deep cuts to civilian staff. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy openly questioned the efficacy of budget cuts in infrastructure-building contexts, emphasizing the need for active investment.
Musk Maintains a Partial Role and Close Ties to Trump
Despite reducing his day-to-day involvement, Musk will remain a recurring presence in Washington due to his close relationship with President Trump. He is expected to continue participating in weekly meetings and remain involved in select government initiatives when called upon.
COMMENTS