Elon Musk has officially resigned from his position as a special government employee and adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump. His departure comes just a day after publicly denouncing Trump’s legislative proposal, titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Musk, who headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), criticized the bill for significantly increasing the federal deficit and undermining the fiscal discipline efforts he was leading.
“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk posted on X. “The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
Why Musk Opposed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a cornerstone of Trump’s legislative agenda, includes provisions for increased infrastructure spending, defense upgrades, tax cuts, and expanded social initiatives. While praised by some as transformative, Musk condemned it as a “massive spending bill” that would undo the work he had led at DOGE to streamline government and cut costs.
In a CBS interview aired Tuesday night, Musk said:
“It’s a massive spending bill. It undermines the work we’ve done at DOGE to reduce the size of government and control unnecessary costs.”
He added humorously but pointedly: “I think a bill can be big, or it can be beautiful—but I don’t know if it can be both.”
In a separate comment to The Washington Post, Musk revealed the scale of bureaucratic resistance he encountered during his tenure.
“The federal bureaucracy situation is much worse than I realized. It’s an uphill battle trying to improve things in D.C., to say the least.”
A Shift in Tone: From Ally to Critic
Musk’s resignation marks a sharp turn from the admiration he had once shown towards Trump. Earlier this year, Musk had praised the President, stating, “The more I’ve gotten to know President Trump, the more I like the guy. Frankly, I love him.”
But following the bill’s release and what he described as a “complete reversal of DOGE’s vision,” Musk has opted to step away from politics altogether. He has also indicated plans to halt political donations and refocus on his business ventures—namely Tesla, SpaceX, and X.
“I think I’ve done enough,” he told reporters.
What Happens to the Bill Now?
Despite Musk’s vocal opposition, the bill is moving ahead in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans are pushing to pass it by Memorial Day. However, divisions within the party are becoming increasingly evident.
- Fiscal conservatives argue that the bill fails to adequately reduce spending.
- Moderates warn that provisions may adversely affect vulnerable Americans by limiting access to healthcare and nutrition services.
When asked about Musk’s resignation, President Trump acknowledged the criticism but expressed continued support for the bill.
“I’m not happy about certain aspects of it, but I’m thrilled by other aspects,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “We’re going to see what happens—it’s got a way to go.”
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What’s Next for DOGE?
Although Musk is stepping away from public service, he remains optimistic about the legacy of the Department of Government Efficiency. In his farewell statement, he wrote:
“The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
Whether his exit marks the end or the beginning of a larger reform conversation remains to be seen. For now, Elon Musk returns to the private sector—leaving Washington, D.C. with a few words of caution and a mission unfinished.
