Comprehensive reports from U.S. media including the Wall Street Journal indicate that even President Trump has expressed doubts about whether entrepreneur Elon Musk can truly cut $1 trillion in federal spending.
According to a report published on May 30, internal sources within the U.S. government have claimed that during a conversation with his advisors, Trump asked about the federal spending reduction plan being pushed by Musk's 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE), saying, 'Is this all just hot air?'
The report cited sources saying this reflects Trump's and his senior aides' skepticism and frustration regarding Musk's involvement with the government. Nevertheless, Trump still holds a favorable view of Musk, as they dined together last week and plan to meet again in the future. On May 30, local time, Trump even had aides arrange a friendly farewell ceremony at the White House, where he and Musk praised each other. According to White House staff, Trump described Musk to aides as 'half genius, half childish,' while some aides heard Trump refer to Musk as 'ninety percent genius, ten percent childish.' According to White House officials, the two occasionally dine together at Trump's club, engaging in long, aimless conversations, though Musk's eccentric sense of humor sometimes leaves Trump puzzled.
On May 28, Musk posted on social media platform X that his term as a 'special government employee' has ended. The report stated that although Trump knew Musk would eventually leave, it wasn't until Musk's post on social media platform X that Trump learned the exact timing. (Wall Street Journal) The report pointed out that Musk had once invested nearly $300 million to help Trump become president and return to the White House; in return, Trump granted Musk unprecedented power over the vast federal bureaucracy and promised he could reshape the U.S. government.
Musk's supporters believe the billionaire has pushed for comprehensive reforms, including cutting U.S. government foreign aid and large-scale layoffs. However, the results have fallen far short of expectations. Musk previously promised to cut $1 trillion, but according to the 'Department of Government Efficiency,' the final federal spending reduction was only $170 billion, and even that figure has been heavily scrutinized.
The report also mentioned that Musk's financial support has been waning. He previously invested over $288 million in Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and promised to donate another $100 million to organizations controlled by Trump's team before the 2026 midterm elections, but as of last week, the funds had not yet arrived.
The sharp decline in sales of Musk's company Tesla is also one of the reasons for his departure, as the electric vehicle manufacturer saw a 71% drop in net profit in the first quarter. The report stated that Musk had privately said, 'I need to relieve the pressure on myself and my company.' However, Trump publicly emphasized that Musk is not completely leaving: 'Elon is not really leaving; he will come and go frequently.'