According to sources within Trump’s inner circle, the tech billionaire is preparing to step back from his advisory role, with President Trump acknowledging that Musk has a large company to manage and likely needs to focus on his businesses.
The news was first reported by Politico, citing anonymous sources from Trump’s administration. In a recent statement, Trump hinted that Musk would soon be transitioning away from his formal position, although he expressed admiration for the tech mogul’s contributions. “I think he’s been amazing, but I also think he’s got a big company to run,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “At some point, he’s going to be going back. He wants to. I’d keep him as long as I could keep him.”
Musk’s exit seems to be related to multiple factors, including his busy responsibilities as the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, both of which have experienced significant challenges. His car company, Tesla, has recently faced protests and acts of vandalism across the country, further complicating Musk’s ability to manage both his private ventures and his advisory role in Washington.
Musk’s Influence in the Trump Administration
Musk has been involved in several initiatives during his time in Washington, including cuts at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as well as backing political candidates. Most recently, Musk spent over $20 million attempting to elect a conservative judge in Wisconsin, though his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Despite Trump’s positive comments about Musk, some insiders within the Trump Administration have expressed frustration with the billionaire, citing concerns that Musk’s political influence could potentially become a liability. These insiders suggest that Musk’s high profile and involvement in controversial issues may distract from the administration’s goals.
Ethics Exemption and Transition to Informal Role
Musk’s role in the Trump Administration has been under the special government employee exemption, which allows temporary government employees to bypass certain ethics rules and potential conflicts of interest. However, this exemption is set to expire in the next two months, and sources indicate that this may coincide with Musk’s departure or transition to a less formal role within the administration.
The Future of Musk and Trump’s Relationship
While Elon Musk is reportedly stepping away from his formal position, sources suggest that he won’t completely sever ties with the Trump Administration. Some believe he will continue to offer informal advice and remain a key figure in Trump’s orbit, though the specifics of this future relationship remain unclear.
For now, the White House has not commented on the situation, leaving room for speculation on what Musk’s future role in the administration will look like, if any. It seems that Musk’s time in Washington is winding down, but his influence could continue to shape political conversations from the sidelines.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.