Elon Musk Quietly Retreats from White House as Tesla Troubles Deepen
April 30, 2025
Elon Musk has significantly reduced his physical presence at the White House, according to Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles. The billionaire tech mogul, who had been a major player in Trump’s return to power, is now shifting focus back to his embattled electric car company, Tesla.
In a recent interview with The New York Post, Wiles stated, “He’s not physically present as much as he was. I talk to him on the phone, but the effect is the same.” Musk, who helped finance Trump’s 2024 campaign and spearheaded the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is set to officially step down in May.
Despite Musk’s scaled-back involvement, Wiles emphasized that DOGE’s work continues without interruption. “His team is still here, doing important work and focusing on the details. He’s stepping back, not stepping away,” she explained.
The DOGE initiative has already cut over 58,000 federal jobs, with nearly 150,000 more layoffs expected in coming months, as reported by the New York Times. Some terminated employees have been reinstated temporarily by court order, but the broader agenda remains unchanged.
Meanwhile, Musk faces mounting challenges at Tesla. Following a tumultuous start to the year, the company reported a 71% drop in Q1 earnings compared to last year. On April 22, Tesla stock closed at $237.97, triggering fresh concerns among investors.
Musk’s political visibility has also sparked controversy. Protests erupted in multiple cities, and Tesla has been the target of several arson attacks worldwide. His now-infamous stunt in February, where he brandished a chainsaw during a rally with Argentine President Javier Milei, only added to the media frenzy.
According to the BBC, Musk’s unofficial government role is limited to 130 days per year, a constraint that may explain his reduced presence. Insider sources also suggest he’s grown disillusioned with politics and the backlash from liberal critics.
Still, Musk’s influence on Trump’s administrative strategy remains undeniable. Even as he steps back to salvage Tesla’s declining profits and reputation, the impact of his DOGE framework continues to reshape the federal government.
For now, the man once dubbed “Trump’s First Buddy” appears to be refocusing on the tech empire that made him a household name—while his legacy in Washington lingers.