Musk’s crusade against big government waste may be ending soon — here’s what it means for Trump’s second term.
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump on Monday praised billionaire innovator Elon Musk for his “incredible” work cutting bloated federal programs — but acknowledged Musk may soon return to the private sector as his White House mission winds down.
“He’s been phenomenal,” Trump told reporters from the Oval Office. “But he also has a huge company to run. At some point, Elon’s going to head back — and I respect that.”
Elon Musk Leads the Charge Against Big Government
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been serving in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a new agency created under Trump’s executive order to root out wasteful spending and eliminate thousands of unnecessary federal jobs.
Designated a “special government employee,” Musk is limited to 130 working days per year — meaning his tenure could expire in late May unless renewed.
“I’d keep him as long as I can,” Trump said. “He’s one of the smartest people I know, and he’s done a terrific job cutting waste, saving taxpayers billions.”
Slashing Spending, Downsizing Washington
Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has:
- Terminated outdated federal programs
- Cut tens of thousands of bureaucratic positions
- Fast-tracked the reduction of over $1 trillion in projected federal spending
This aligns with what many conservative voters have long demanded — a leaner, more efficient government that works for the American people.
“Elon’s not afraid to take the axe to government bloat,” a senior White House official said. “That’s exactly what this country needs.”
Liberal Critics Attack Musk’s Role in Trump’s Administration
Despite his success, Democrats and media elites have launched attacks against Musk, claiming his White House role creates “conflicts of interest” due to SpaceX’s federal contracts.
But conservatives say this is nothing more than political theater — an attempt to silence a bold entrepreneur who stands with President Trump.
Musk has even used his massive following on X (formerly Twitter) to promote the Trump agenda, attend Cabinet meetings, and recently campaign in Wisconsin for a Trump-backed Supreme Court candidate.
What Happens After DOGE?
DOGE is scheduled to end on July 4, 2026, symbolically tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. After that, Trump plans for his Cabinet secretaries to continue the work of cutting waste.
“They’ve learned a lot under Elon,” Trump said. “Eventually, they’ll be able to do it themselves — precisely, surgically, and effectively.”
Musk: “It’s Hurt My Companies — But I’d Do It Again”
In a recent interview with Fox News, Musk admitted that his government service has negatively impacted his business interests.
“It’s actually been disadvantageous for me,” he said. “My companies have suffered because of this. But the mission was more important.”
Tesla stock has seen turbulence, and the company has become a target of politically motivated attacks, including vandalism, which the Trump administration has condemned as domestic terrorism.
“He’s a true patriot,” Trump said. “And the way they’ve gone after Tesla? It’s shameful.”
Musk’s Massive Support for Trump 2024
Musk has already donated nearly $300 million to support Trump’s 2024 re-election and is reportedly prepared to contribute another $100 million to conservative political action groups.
Despite facing intense criticism from the left, Musk remains focused on the mission: cutting $1 trillion in waste from the federal government.
“I believe we’ll accomplish that goal before my time is up,” Musk said.
Bottom Line: Elon Musk Has Changed Washington — Whether He Stays or Goes
Musk may soon step back from his White House duties, but the impact of his work will be felt for years. From exposing waste to defending American taxpayers, Musk’s partnership with Trump has helped restore accountability in Washington.
And with President Trump leading the charge into 2025 and beyond, conservatives can expect more bold reforms, more savings, and more wins for America.
