Trump Informs Close Associates, "Musk Will Leave Soon"
The president expresses satisfaction with Elon Musk, yet this decision arises as the tech entrepreneur is starting to appear as a potential political liability.
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump has informed his close associates, including Cabinet members, that Elon Musk will soon be stepping away from his roles as governing partner, enthusiastic supporter, and political operative.
The president continues to have a favorable view of Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency initiative. However, recent discussions between Trump and Musk have led to the conclusion that it is time for Musk to focus on his businesses and adopt a more supportive role, according to three Trump insiders who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share insights about their evolving relationship.
Musk’s impending departure comes amid growing frustration from some Trump administration officials and outside allies concerning his unpredictability. This sentiment was highlighted on Tuesday when a conservative judge backed by Musk lost his bid for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat by 10 points, further demonstrating the billionaire's potential to be seen as a political liability.
This change marks a significant shift in the Trump-Musk dynamic compared to just a month ago, when White House officials and allies believed Musk would remain heavily involved in the administration and that Trump would find a way around the 130-day limit on his engagement.
A senior administration official indicated that while Musk is likely to step back from his current responsibilities, he may still retain an informal advisory role and be seen occasionally on White House grounds. Another source warned that anyone expecting Musk to completely exit Trump’s sphere is “fooling themselves.”
Insiders suggest that this transition will likely coincide with the conclusion of Musk’s tenure as a “special government employee,” a status that grants him temporary exemptions from certain ethics and conflict-of-interest regulations. That 130-day period is expected to come to an end in late May or early June.
Supporters of Musk within the administration believe this timing is appropriate for a shift, as they feel he has maximized opportunities to reduce government agency size without causing undue harm. However, many others perceive him as an unpredictable force, citing his challenges in communicating effectively with Cabinet secretaries. His unexpected and often off-message statements on X, his social media platform, have created considerable chaos, including sharing uncoordinated plans to overhaul federal agencies.
The political threat Musk represents was underscored on Tuesday when Democrats highlighted his approximately $20 million investment in the Wisconsin election, framing it as a referendum on the divisive entrepreneur.
In anticipation of these dynamics, Trump had begun preparing for Musk's transition over a week prior to the election. This included remarks during a March 24 Cabinet meeting where he indicated Musk would be stepping back. One insider, who was briefed on the meeting, confirmed his comments, and a senior administration official also validated that Musk's transition was discussed.
Following this announcement, Trump allowed reporters to enter the meeting where he heaped praise on Musk, who was present wearing a red MAGA hat. Cabinet secretaries, many of whom had previously clashed with Musk over his aggressive approach to budget cuts, expressed their support for his initiatives.
“Elon, I want to thank you — I know you've been through a lot,” Trump stated, referencing the death threats and vandalism aimed at Tesla vehicles, before labeling Musk “a patriot” and “a friend of mine.”
Both Trump and Musk have since hinted at the upcoming transition publicly. When asked by Fox News’ Bret Baier whether he would be ready to step back once his special government employee status ends, Musk seemed to acknowledge the completion of significant objectives: “I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion within that time frame.”
On Monday evening, Trump remarked to reporters that “at some point, Elon’s going to want to go back to his company,” adding that “He wants to. I’d keep him as long as I could keep him.”
“As the President said, this White House would love to keep Elon around for as long as possible,” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields commented on Tuesday, as Wisconsin election results began to flow in. “Elon has been instrumental in executing the President’s agenda and will continue this good work until the President says otherwise.”
However, many within Trump’s inner circle are expressing relief at the prospect of Musk moving on from his prominent position alongside Trump. They hope this may signify the end of the unpredictable DOGE surprises, which have ranged from demands for federal workers to submit work output to unintended cuts in Ebola prevention initiatives. Their concerns also reflect apprehensions about Musk being a political liability who could serve as a rallying point for discontented Democrats.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
The president continues to have a favorable view of Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency initiative. However, recent discussions between Trump and Musk have led to the conclusion that it is time for Musk to focus on his businesses and adopt a more supportive role, according to three Trump insiders who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share insights about their evolving relationship.
Musk’s impending departure comes amid growing frustration from some Trump administration officials and outside allies concerning his unpredictability. This sentiment was highlighted on Tuesday when a conservative judge backed by Musk lost his bid for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat by 10 points, further demonstrating the billionaire's potential to be seen as a political liability.
This change marks a significant shift in the Trump-Musk dynamic compared to just a month ago, when White House officials and allies believed Musk would remain heavily involved in the administration and that Trump would find a way around the 130-day limit on his engagement.
A senior administration official indicated that while Musk is likely to step back from his current responsibilities, he may still retain an informal advisory role and be seen occasionally on White House grounds. Another source warned that anyone expecting Musk to completely exit Trump’s sphere is “fooling themselves.”
Insiders suggest that this transition will likely coincide with the conclusion of Musk’s tenure as a “special government employee,” a status that grants him temporary exemptions from certain ethics and conflict-of-interest regulations. That 130-day period is expected to come to an end in late May or early June.
Supporters of Musk within the administration believe this timing is appropriate for a shift, as they feel he has maximized opportunities to reduce government agency size without causing undue harm. However, many others perceive him as an unpredictable force, citing his challenges in communicating effectively with Cabinet secretaries. His unexpected and often off-message statements on X, his social media platform, have created considerable chaos, including sharing uncoordinated plans to overhaul federal agencies.
The political threat Musk represents was underscored on Tuesday when Democrats highlighted his approximately $20 million investment in the Wisconsin election, framing it as a referendum on the divisive entrepreneur.
In anticipation of these dynamics, Trump had begun preparing for Musk's transition over a week prior to the election. This included remarks during a March 24 Cabinet meeting where he indicated Musk would be stepping back. One insider, who was briefed on the meeting, confirmed his comments, and a senior administration official also validated that Musk's transition was discussed.
Following this announcement, Trump allowed reporters to enter the meeting where he heaped praise on Musk, who was present wearing a red MAGA hat. Cabinet secretaries, many of whom had previously clashed with Musk over his aggressive approach to budget cuts, expressed their support for his initiatives.
“Elon, I want to thank you — I know you've been through a lot,” Trump stated, referencing the death threats and vandalism aimed at Tesla vehicles, before labeling Musk “a patriot” and “a friend of mine.”
Both Trump and Musk have since hinted at the upcoming transition publicly. When asked by Fox News’ Bret Baier whether he would be ready to step back once his special government employee status ends, Musk seemed to acknowledge the completion of significant objectives: “I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion within that time frame.”
On Monday evening, Trump remarked to reporters that “at some point, Elon’s going to want to go back to his company,” adding that “He wants to. I’d keep him as long as I could keep him.”
“As the President said, this White House would love to keep Elon around for as long as possible,” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields commented on Tuesday, as Wisconsin election results began to flow in. “Elon has been instrumental in executing the President’s agenda and will continue this good work until the President says otherwise.”
However, many within Trump’s inner circle are expressing relief at the prospect of Musk moving on from his prominent position alongside Trump. They hope this may signify the end of the unpredictable DOGE surprises, which have ranged from demands for federal workers to submit work output to unintended cuts in Ebola prevention initiatives. Their concerns also reflect apprehensions about Musk being a political liability who could serve as a rallying point for discontented Democrats.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
