Elon Musk Becomes Political Liability for Trump, Set to Step Back from White House Role – Report

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is set to step down from his key role in President Donald Trump’s administration, transitioning to an informal advisory position. The move follows growing frustrations within Trump’s inner circle over Musk’s unpredictability and perceived political liabilities, according to a Politico report.

While Trump remains pleased with Musk’s contributions to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), both men have reportedly agreed that it is time for Musk to refocus on his business ventures. The shift comes as Musk’s 130-day special government employee status nears expiration.

Musk’s outspoken support for a conservative judge who suffered a significant loss in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race has intensified concerns about his political influence. His uncoordinated social media activity, including surprise announcements on agency budget cuts, has also led to tensions within the administration. White House officials were frequently caught off guard by Musk’s statements, leading to frustrations among senior staff and Cabinet members.

Despite these challenges, Trump has continued to publicly praise Musk’s work in reducing government waste. During a recent Cabinet meeting, the president commended Musk for his efforts, calling him “a patriot” and “a friend.” Musk, donning a red MAGA hat, received further recognition from Cabinet members, some of whom had previously clashed with him over his aggressive cost-cutting approach.

Trump and Musk have both hinted at the transition. When asked by Fox News if he would leave when his temporary government status expired, Musk suggested that much of his work to reduce the federal deficit would be complete by then. Trump echoed this sentiment, stating, “At some point, Elon’s gonna want to go back to his company. I’d keep him as long as I could.”

Within Trump’s circle, some advisors view Musk as an indispensable asset, while others believe his unpredictability has become a liability. One longtime Trump adviser described Musk as “a genius, but a one-man wrecking ball.” The shift in Musk’s role became clear when Trump told Cabinet secretaries in a March 6 meeting that they, not Musk, were responsible for budget reductions within their agencies. This clarification, repeated in a subsequent meeting, signaled a turning point in Musk’s White House involvement.

Despite the tensions, Trump’s praise for Musk remains genuine, according to insiders. While Musk may be stepping back from an official government role, those close to the president suggest he will always have a place in Trump’s orbit—whether in an advisory capacity or as a trusted ally.