Is Elon Departing From Trump’s Inner Circle?

According to Politico, former President Donald Trump has informed his inner circle that Elon Musk will soon step back from his role as a key figure in his administration. Musk, who has played a pivotal role in Trump’s government efficiency initiative, is expected to transition to a less active role in the coming weeks.

Sources close to the Trump administration indicate that both Trump and Musk have mutually agreed on the timing of his departure. While Musk has been a vocal advocate of Trump’s policies and an active participant in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), frustrations have grown within the administration over his unpredictability and controversial public statements.

Musk’s exit aligns with the expiration of his status as a “special government employee,” which temporarily allowed him to bypass certain ethics and conflict-of-interest rules. That exemption is set to end between late May and early June, marking a natural point for Musk to return full-time to his business ventures.

While Musk has been instrumental in cutting government spending, his approach has at times clashed with senior administration officials, particularly Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. His tendency to announce major government restructuring plans via his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), without prior coordination with Cabinet members has caused tensions. Additionally, Musk’s growing presence in Trump’s orbit has become a rallying point for Democrats.

Despite these tensions, Trump has publicly praised Musk’s efforts, highlighting DOGE’s cost-cutting measures and defending Musk against criticisms. However, the former president is also mindful of the upcoming midterm elections and is carefully strategizing to maintain his party’s hold on the House. His decision to transition Musk out of a central role appears to be part of a broader effort to avoid unnecessary political risks.

According to Politico, Trump’s discussion about Musk’s departure coincided with his withdrawal of New York Representative Elise Stefanik’s nomination for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations—a move reportedly influenced by concerns over the GOP’s narrow House majority.

While Musk’s formal tenure in the administration is ending, he is expected to maintain an informal advisory role and remain a visible figure in Trump’s political circle. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields stated that Musk will continue to support Trump’s agenda “until the President says otherwise.”

Ultimately, Trump appears to be making a strategic shift, ensuring that his administration remains politically viable heading into the midterms while maintaining a working relationship with Musk outside of official government channels.