Washington D.C., USA – Elon Musk’s time as a polarizing figure slashing and bashing through federal bureaucracy is coming to an end as he reaches the legal limit for his government service in the coming weeks. As the world’s richest person, Musk faces a strict 130-day cap on his service as a special government employee. Despite earlier claims that he would be staying for the long haul, it seems Musk will be stepping down from his lead role in the near future.
President Donald Trump expressed his desire to keep Musk for as long as possible, recognizing the impact of his work. Musk’s “department of government efficiency,” also known as Doge, has been making significant changes within government agencies, including large-scale civil service layoffs and the elimination of entire agencies.
While Musk and the White House have denied reports of his departure, it seems inevitable as his time as a special government employee comes to a close. Doge, under Trump’s executive order, is set to continue until 2026, with high-level leaders appointed by Musk likely to outlast his tenure in public service.
The significant cuts made by Doge have faced criticism from the public, with approval ratings for the work dropping below 50%. Musk’s personal likeability has also come under scrutiny, with many expressing concerns over potential conflicts of interest given his companies’ government contracts.
Democrats have increasingly targeted Musk politically, raising questions about his investments and influence. Overall, Musk’s involvement in federal bureaucracy has been met with mixed reactions, with ongoing debates about the impact of his initiatives and the future implications of his time in public service. As Musk’s departure looms, the legacy of his work within the government remains to be seen.