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Elon Musk to Step Back from Trump Administration Role Amid Political and Business Turmoil
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Elon Musk is expected to transition out of his advisory role in the Trump administration, according to reports from Politico and ABC News. The billionaire entrepreneur, currently serving as a special government employee on a 130-day contract, has been leading efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, White House insiders increasingly view Musk as a political liability, prompting discussions about his shift to a less public role.
While some administration officials believe Musk will retain informal influence over President Donald Trump, others argue his departure signals a strategic move away from controversy. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the reports as overblown, stating Musk was always set to conclude his tenure once DOGE’s objectives were met. Musk himself echoed this sentiment on social media, calling the reports “fake news.”
Challenges on Multiple Fronts
Musk’s transition comes at a turbulent time for him both personally and professionally. Tesla’s stock has taken a major hit, slashing over $100 billion from his net worth. The Cybertruck recall, a recent SpaceX Starship explosion, and continued protests at Tesla dealerships have only added to his corporate struggles.
On the personal side, family disputes have played out in public, including criticism from his estranged daughter and former partner, Grimes. His involvement in politics has also drawn scrutiny, with Musk heavily backing a Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate who ultimately lost by nearly 10 points.
Political Fallout and Congressional Tensions
Musk’s government role has been a point of contention among lawmakers. Democratic Rep. John Larson recently called out Republicans for blocking Musk’s testimony on Social Security cuts, accusing the billionaire of attempting to privatize the program while avoiding congressional oversight.
Meanwhile, his tenure in the Trump administration has been marred by controversy, including allegations surrounding a hand gesture at Trump’s second inauguration and a hacked AI video of Trump appearing to kiss Musk’s feet in a government cafeteria.
Despite the mounting challenges, Musk remains a key figure in Trump’s orbit. While he may be stepping back from an official position, his influence in business, technology, and politics is far from over.
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