No More Sleepovers: Elon Musk Braces for Departure from the White House

Elon Musk announced on Wednesday that he is stepping back from his extensive role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to concentrate on his businesses. At a White House appearance, Musk stated, “Now we’re getting more of a rhythm…

I can return to primarily running my companies, which do need me.” This marks a significant shift for Musk, who has been a familiar figure in the White House, even spending nights there during the early days of President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk revealed that he plans to be involved with DOGE only one or two days a week, expecting to be in Washington every other week.

This change comes after Tesla reported a notable decline in first-quarter profits and revenue, prompting Musk to prioritize his business commitments. Despite reducing his physical presence, he expressed confidence that DOGE could continue effectively without his daily oversight.

He humorously referred to his West Wing office as “comically tiny,” where he has reportedly engaged in some downtime playing video games. Musk shared anecdotes about his friendly relationship with Trump, including late-night invitations to stay in the White House and playful conversations about ice cream.

Musk and his team defended DOGE’s achievements during its first 100 days, claiming they have saved the federal government $160 billion. However, concerns have been raised about the organization’s reporting, which has been criticized for inaccuracies and misleading claims.

When asked about ambitious targets for cutting government spending, Musk acknowledged the challenges, questioning the willingness of Congress and the Cabinet to make significant sacrifices. On the issue of fraud detection in government programs, Musk maintained that closing loopholes is a priority.

He indicated that addressing fraud effectively requires not only prevention but also prosecution, highlighting the complexities faced by his team. Meanwhile, his colleague Antonio Gracias mentioned referrals of potential voter fraud cases to the Justice Department, emphasizing a cautious approach to claims made by DOGE.