Elon Musk steps back from white house role shifting focus to Tesla

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and head of Tesla, has announced plans to reduce his involvement with the United States government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE). After months of spearheading policies on workplace efficiency, Musk will now concentrate more on his electric vehicle company following a significant decline in Tesla’s profits.

Speaking to reporters, Susie Wiles, the current White House Chief of Staff and one of President Trump’s key allies, confirmed that Musk has relinquished his physical presence in the West Wing. Though his formal role as a special unpaid government employee will conclude next month, Musk will reportedly offer informal advice to the administration when needed. Wiles emphasised that despite his reduced presence, the overall collaboration with Musk and his team has been unaffected.

This strategic shift comes amidst reports of internal clashes between Musk and other White House figures. Sources have cited confrontations between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as well as pointed criticisms targeted at other senior advisers. Despite these tensions, President Trump praised Musk during a recent cabinet meeting for his contributions and sacrifices, recognising the challenges the entrepreneur has faced both professionally and personally.

Musk’s decision also coincides with backlash against Tesla, including protests targeting the company’s facilities. The billionaire, commenting on recent incidents, noted that adversaries have deliberately fuelled hostilities towards his products. While acknowledging these setbacks, Musk reaffirmed his aim to refocus on Tesla’s operations and stabilise its performance.

The business magnate has also confirmed that his work on DoGE is nearing conclusion, having successfully implemented significant changes in workplace policies. These measures, including the push for employees to return to in-person working hours, have sparked widespread debate but remain a cornerstone of the administration’s efficiency agenda.

With Tesla experiencing a 71 per cent drop in profits in the past financial quarter, Musk aims to allocate more time and resources to revitalising the company. He revealed plans to intensify his commitments to the electric vehicle maker, dedicating substantial portions of his schedule to its recovery and growth.

As Musk steps back from his formal government role, he remains a polarising figure. While some applaud his achievements in transforming multiple industries, others remain critical of his leadership style and outspoken nature. Even so, his ability to influence both corporate and governmental spheres is undeniable, and his next moves within Tesla are certain to draw significant attention worldwide.