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Is Elon Musk No Longer Working At The White House
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Elon Musk’s Presence in Washington Fades—But His Influence Remains

Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has officially stepped back from his regular duties at the White House, according to a recent report by the New York Post. While Musk remains involved with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a special unit created under President Trump's administration — his physical presence in the West Wing has significantly decreased.

Instead of frequent in-person appearances and Oval Office briefings, Musk now participates remotely, mostly via phone. “He hasn’t been here physically, but it really doesn’t matter much,” said White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in a statement marking Trump’s 100th day in office. “It’s the same net effect.”

From the Oval Office to Online: Musk’s Shift to Remote Advisory

In the early days of Trump’s second term, Musk was deeply embedded in executive operations, attending Cabinet meetings, riding Air Force One, and reportedly leading a $1 trillion federal deficit reduction initiative. Appointed as an unpaid special government employee, Musk was tasked with streamlining bureaucracy and slashing inefficiencies across major government agencies.

Now, his base of operations has shifted. While his physical visits have ceased, his DOGE team still works from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, adjacent to the West Wing. According to Wiles, "He’ll be stepping back a little, but he’s certainly not abandoning it.”

Why Musk Is Stepping Back: Tesla Takes Priority

Musk’s decision comes amid intensifying pressure at Tesla, where he has pledged to focus more of his time in the months ahead. “I’ll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla starting next month,” Musk told investors on a recent earnings call. With Tesla’s profits taking a hit this quarter and competition heating up in the EV market, insiders say the shift was inevitable.

Despite this pivot, Musk emphasized that he’ll still contribute “a day or two a week” to government affairs “as long as it is useful.”

DOGE Under the Microscope: Wins, Criticisms, and Uncertain Impact

DOGE was launched with bold promises — a total restructuring of federal agencies and a potential $2 trillion in long-term savings. However, real numbers have fallen short. According to Business Insider, updated internal estimates suggest only about $150 billion in measurable savings — a fraction of what was initially projected.

Key targets for budget cuts under Musk's DOGE blueprint included:

  • USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development)

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

  • Redundant cybersecurity contracts and defense logistics

The measures, while applauded by fiscal conservatives, have triggered sharp backlash from Democrats, federal workers, and watchdog groups. Critics argue DOGE has redefined “waste” too broadly, lumping in vital social and regulatory programs.

Polls reflect that skepticism: a recent national survey revealed only 43% of Americans believe government waste has declined under DOGE, while 56% believe it has either increased or remained unchanged.

Behind Closed Doors: Power Struggles Inside the Trump Administration

Elon Musk’s tenure in DOGE has not been without friction. Multiple reports describe internal disputes between Musk and high-ranking officials, most notably a heated shouting match with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stemming from disagreements over fiscal reform strategy.

Sources within the White House describe a “power vacuum” as Musk steps back, with several Trump-aligned Cabinet members now vying for influence over DOGE’s next phase. According to a Reuters report, Trump’s inner circle is preparing for a transition, but no successor with Musk’s clout or vision has been confirmed.

What’s Next for DOGE and Musk’s Political Role?

With Musk reducing his direct involvement, the future of DOGE hangs in the balance. While some White House officials insist the structure is strong enough to outlast its founder, others believe Musk’s presence was the driving force behind any real momentum.

Some analysts speculate that Musk may eventually exit government service altogether if public scrutiny intensifies or if his attention becomes fully consumed by Tesla, SpaceX, or xAI.

One thing remains clear: even at a distance, Musk’s ideas and influence continue to shape federal operations in Washington — for better or worse.

Conclusion: A Strategic Retreat or the End of an Era?

Elon Musk’s reduced role at the White House marks a pivotal chapter in the ongoing experiment of public-private governance under the Trump administration. While his physical absence may seem like a withdrawal, his digital and ideological fingerprints remain embedded in the foundations of DOGE.

Whether this shift is merely a recalibration or the beginning of Musk’s exit from public service remains to be seen. Either way, the relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington has been permanently altered — and the effects will linger long after the headlines fade.

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