Trump Signals Musk May Step Back from Administration Role After Special Government Employee Status Ends
President Donald Trump has privately indicated to top advisers that Elon Musk may step back from his current role in the administration once his special government employee status expires, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.
Musk currently serves as a “special government employee,” which limits his appointment to a maximum of 130 days. His term is set to end around late May. Although there had been speculation that the White House might extend his status or find ways to keep him on, sources suggest that Musk will likely depart when his term concludes.
As previously reported by ABC News, Musk’s decision-making has been a source of division among Trump’s top advisers, causing occasional rifts within the administration.
Some of Musk’s supporters within the White House have downplayed the notion that he’s being pushed out, stressing that the reporting has been exaggerated, sources said.
Despite some public backlash and legal challenges, Trump remains pleased with the work Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency team have done, particularly in cutting government costs, according to sources.
Trump’s Comments on Musk’s Future
Trump publicly stated on Monday that Musk will likely need to return to managing Tesla at some point. When asked about Musk’s 130-day special government employee status, Trump replied, “Well, I think he’s … amazing. But I also think he’s got a big company to run. And so, at some point, he’s going to be going back. He wants to.”
Politico was the first to report that Trump had informed advisers that Musk would likely take a step back from his government role in the coming weeks.
White House Officials’ Reaction
ABC News previously reported that some White House officials, frustrated with Musk’s approach, have accepted that the billionaire is unlikely to be reined in soon. These officials have focused on managing the situation until Musk’s contract ends in May.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the report on X, refuting Politico’s story. She wrote, “Elon Musk and President Trump have both publicly stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete.”