Musk Announces White House Departure Following 'Disappointment' in Trump's Spending Bill

What Happened?

Tech billionaire Elon Musk announced his departure from the White House after serving as a special government employee for nearly 130 days.

In a social media post on X, Musk issued a farewell as President Donald Trump's special advisor tasked with co-leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in cutting federal government spending.

'As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President (Donald Trump) for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,' Musk said Wednesday. 'The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.'

His departure was viewed by many as quick and unceremonious.

Musk reportedly did not have a formal conversation with Trump before announcing his early departure.

According to The Guardian, Musk’s exit was described by officials as a decision ‘at a senior staff level.’

It had ended before officially reaching his full 130-day tenure as legally allowed.

Why it Matters

Musk's departure comes just one day after he criticized Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' that recently passed through the House last week.

In a clip set to air on CBS Sunday Morning, Musk said he was 'disappointed' to see the massive bill which essentially increases the budget deficit.

The bill, which now is in the hands of Senate leaders for review, would increase the debt ceiling by $4 trillion.

'I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful. I don’t know if it could be both,' Musk added. 'My personal opinion.'

It marked a pivotal moment between Musk and Trump, who had seen eye-to-eye on federal spending reduction goals and objectives.

Musk had also been a major donor for Trump's presidential campaign with upward of $250 million, according to reports.

But both Musk and the Trump administration have reportedly said DOGE’s efforts to restructure and shrink the federal government will continue.

So far, the DOGE government website claimed it saved $175 billion in wasteful spending through its efforts.

How it Affects You

As Senate leaders work to review the upcoming spending bill, House Speaker Mike Johnson made a plea for as few cuts as possible.

Trump reportedly plans to send a small package to Congress next week after a long internal battle over how to formalize cuts made by DOGE.

But the $9.4 billion package reflects only a fraction of the multitrillion-dollar DOGE cuts that Musk had aspired to, according to POLITICO.

Many conservatives including Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have fueled a 'codifying' campaign in support of amplifying DOGE cuts.

It highlights the importance of DOGE's mission that many are supporting to help address the nation's growing debt deficit.