After Trump's inauguration, Musk, who had played a role in his rise, was once in high spirits. However, as the leadership of the 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE) continued to push forward its work, conflicts between Musk and Trump's cabinet escalated, and he faced accusations from Democrats of 'using power for personal gain,' leading to a rapid decline in his assets. Recently, he has repeatedly stated that he will step back from DOGE and refocus on the business world.
According to Observer Network citing reports from Fox News on April 30, U.S. President Trump told Musk during a cabinet meeting held that day: 'You have been treated unfairly, but the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you. Everyone present can express this with great certainty. This has really helped us a lot; you have shown many people what can be done, and we are very grateful to you.'
At this moment, the audience erupted in applause for Musk, and Trump added, 'You can stay (in the government) as long as you want,' jokingly stating, 'But I guess he (Musk) is always thinking about going home, back to his cars (business) and family.'
According to CCTV News, on April 30 local time, the Wall Street Journal cited informed sources saying that due to the decline in Tesla's stock price and some investors' dissatisfaction with CEO Elon Musk's focus on the White House, the Tesla board began to seriously consider finding Musk's successor.
Informed sources revealed that board members contacted several headhunting firms in an attempt to find Tesla's next CEO.
Tesla's first-quarter performance fell short of expectations.
Tesla's financial report released on April 22 showed that the company's revenue in the first quarter of this year decreased by 9% year-on-year, automotive business revenue dropped by 20% year-on-year, and net profit plummeted by 71% year-on-year.
On the 22nd, Musk stated during the company's earnings call that starting in May, he will 'significantly' reduce the time spent managing the Department of Government Efficiency, 'devoting more time to Tesla.' He also mentioned he would continue to 'spend one or two days a week' on government affairs 'to ensure that waste and fraud do not resurge.'
'Special government employee' may step down.
In addition, there have been frequent changes regarding Musk's position in the Department of Government Efficiency. The New York Post quoted White House Chief of Staff Susan Rice on April 29, stating that Musk is no longer physically present in the White House. The New York Post reported that Musk is preparing to resign from his official position in the Department of Government Efficiency.
Musk is seen as a close ally of President Trump and leads the Department of Government Efficiency in the new U.S. administration, helping Trump significantly reduce federal spending and cut a large number of federal employees. The White House stated in February that Musk's role is that of a 'special government employee.' According to U.S. media reports, under relevant regulations, as a 'special government employee,' Musk's service time cannot exceed 130 days in a year. This means that starting from January 20, Musk's term will end no later than the end of May. If only counting working days, his term will end no later than July.