In a striking moment at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump hinted that his high-profile partnership with Elon Musk may soon come to an end, raising questions about the future of one of Washington’s most watched alliances.
Trump’s remarks, delivered with Musk seated nearby, underscored a relationship strained by policy disagreements and the mounting costs of Musk’s role as a vocal supporter, particularly as his leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sparks chaos and backlash that threatens his business empire.
Trump’s statement came during a discussion at the White House, where he praised Musk’s contributions but pointedly distanced himself.
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“Elon has done a fantastic job. Look, he’s sitting here, and I don’t care. I don’t need Elon for anything other than I happen to like him,” Trump told reporters.
The comment, laced with casual dismissal, suggests a deliberate pivot from a partnership that has defined much of Trump’s second term. Sources close to the administration point to Musk’s temporary status as a special government employee, limited by federal law to 130 days of service in a year, as a key factor. Trump himself fueled speculation last week, stating on April 3 that Musk would likely leave “in a few months,” a timeline echoed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in an X post on April 2, which confirmed Musk’s exit once his DOGE work concludes.
Musk’s tenure at DOGE has been nothing short of seismic. Tasked with slashing government spending, he announced plans to cut $150 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, laying off thousands of federal workers and shuttering foreign aid programs. These moves, aimed at streamlining bureaucracy, have instead unleashed turmoil across agencies, with critics decrying the rapid pace and human toll.
The fallout has spilled beyond government corridors, hitting Musk’s personal and corporate interests hard. Tesla, his flagship company, has become a lightning rod for public anger, with showrooms targeted by protests and owners reporting vandalized or burned vehicles. During a Tesla all-hands meeting last month, Musk lamented the apocalyptic media coverage, saying, “I can’t walk past the TV without seeing a Tesla on fire,” and urged detractors to criticize without destroying his products.
Musk’s unwavering support for Trump has come at a steep price. His $277 million in contributions to Trump and GOP candidates in the 2024 elections cemented his role as a political powerhouse, while public appearances—like last month’s White House event where Trump test-drove a red Tesla Model S—cast him as a loyal ally. Trump recounted the purchase on Thursday, framing it as a “show of support” for Musk, though he emphasized paying full price.
“They said, ‘Oh, did you get a bargain?’ No. I said, ‘Give me the top price,’” he said.
However, this loyalty has cost Musk dearly. Tesla’s brand is under siege, its reputation tangled in the controversy surrounding DOGE’s cuts, and Musk’s personal fortune faces pressure as investors question his divided focus.
Adding to the strain is a growing policy rift, most notably over trade. Musk, a vocal advocate for open markets, has pushed for zero-tariff economic ties, recently calling for a “free trade zone” between the US and Europe during a meeting with Italy’s League Party on April 5. This stance clashes with Trump’s recent announcement of sweeping tariffs on over 180 countries, a protectionist move that could disrupt Tesla’s global supply chain and raise costs for consumers.
Musk’s frustration surfaced in a sharp critique of Trump’s top advisor, Peter Navarro, whom he called “dumber than a sack of bricks” after Navarro referred to him as a “car assembler.” The exchange highlights a broader divide: Musk’s globalist vision versus Trump’s America-first agenda, a tension that may hasten their parting.
Despite the cracks, some in Trump’s circle see a future for Musk beyond DOGE. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News last week that Musk could remain an advisor after his formal role ends, though details remain unclear. For now, Musk’s smile and nod during Trump’s Cabinet meeting remarks belied the uncertainty ahead. As he navigates the fallout from DOGE and Tesla’s challenges, Musk faces a pivotal moment: step back from the political fray to salvage his businesses or double down on a waning alliance.
The Trump-Musk saga, once a symbol of bold collaboration, now teeters on the edge of separation. With tariffs looming and DOGE’s disruptions reverberating, the question isn’t just when Musk will leave, but whether their shared vision can endure the fallout.