Elon Musk Resigns Early from Government Role Over Spending Bill
Elon Musk has stepped down early from his short-term role as a Special Government Employee, citing disappointment with the Trump administration’s new spending bill. Originally set to leave on May 28, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO resigned three days early after criticizing the bill’s fiscal impact.
In a CBS interview aired May 27, Musk said the bill “increases the budget deficit” and undermines the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he co-led with Vivek Ramaswamy. “A bill can be big or beautiful… but not both,” Musk added.
The White House reportedly began Musk’s offboarding early following his remarks. On X, he thanked Trump for the opportunity, stating the DOGE mission “will only grow stronger.”
Trump has yet to respond directly but posted a cryptic meme on Truth Social suggesting his mission remains unchanged.
DOGE aimed to cut costs, reduce bureaucracy, and eliminate programs like DEI and parts of the Department of Education. Musk had pledged to shut the department down by July 4, 2026.
The “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which narrowly passed the House, proposes massive defense spending, tax breaks, and a new missile defense system. Critics, including Musk, warn it could add $600 billion to the deficit—counter to DOGE’s goals.