Elon Musk, the billionaire tech entrepreneur and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, is preparing to leave his advisory role in President Donald Trump’s administration. According to a recent report by Politico, Musk and Trump have agreed that he will step down in the coming weeks. The decision is said to be mutual and has been quietly arranged between the two.

Sources familiar with the situation say that Trump has told his closest aides about Musk’s upcoming departure. Though Musk was once a high-profile figure in Trump’s circle, his presence in the administration has become less visible. Behind the scenes, there has been growing discomfort among top White House officials and Republican allies over Musk’s unpredictable behavior and frequent social media posts.

Frustrations Inside the White House

Musk’s advisory position, especially in the area of government efficiency, was once seen as a bold move. Trump praised Musk’s work and ideas when the initiative launched. But over time, many inside the White House began to question Musk’s methods and intentions. He often posted major suggestions online—without first discussing them with anyone in the administration. This led to confusion, mixed messages, and at times, open frustration.

One senior official, speaking anonymously, said Musk’s tweets often caught them off guard. “You’d wake up and see Elon suggesting a complete overhaul of a federal agency on X, without a heads-up,” the official said. “That’s not how we work.”

His role as a “Special Government Employee” allowed him to operate under fewer rules than regular appointees, but that temporary status is due to expire between late May and early June. With that deadline approaching, the timing of his departure seems natural. Still, the internal tensions likely played a large part in pushing the decision forward.

A Costly Political Misstep in Wisconsin

Things took a sharper turn after Musk backed a conservative candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He contributed a large sum—$20 million—to the campaign, hoping to influence the court’s direction. However, the candidate lost by a wide margin. The failed campaign raised serious concerns among Trump’s team about Musk’s judgment and political instincts.

Some close to the Trump campaign viewed the loss as not just disappointing, but embarrassing. They worried that Musk’s high-profile donation—and the defeat that followed—might reflect poorly on the administration’s judgment in relying on him.

This misstep reportedly weakened Musk’s standing in Trump’s inner circle. While he still had some support, others believed he had become more of a risk than an asset.

Mixed Legacy of Government Efficiency

When Musk joined the administration, his main goal was to help streamline federal agencies and cut waste. He promised bold reforms and said he aimed to reduce the national deficit by $1 trillion. In a recent interview with Fox News, Musk claimed that the government is close to hitting that goal. If true, this would mark a significant achievement during his time in office.

Yet even this claim has drawn mixed reactions. Some officials praised Musk’s drive and bold thinking, while others say the results have been overstated. They argue that many of the cost cuts were already in motion before Musk’s involvement.

One longtime civil servant said, “There’s no question Elon brought attention to government waste, but whether he’s responsible for real savings is up for debate.”

Trump Officials Divided on Musk’s Departure

While the White House has issued a statement saying it hopes Musk will remain involved “as long as possible,” the reality appears more complex. Behind closed doors, several officials are said to be relieved by the news of his upcoming departure.

One aide close to the President said, “Elon brought energy and bold ideas, but he also created a lot of noise. People are ready to move on.”

Still, some remain grateful for what Musk contributed. His early support of innovation and technology in government was seen as a welcome change from the usual slow pace of Washington. But as time passed, his involvement became more chaotic. His growing number of business commitments and political missteps made it harder for him to focus on the administration’s needs.

A New Chapter for Musk and the White House

As Musk prepares to exit, questions remain about who will take over his responsibilities. It’s unclear whether Trump will replace him with someone from the tech world or shift the role to a more traditional government insider.

For Musk, the move may allow him to return his full attention to his businesses, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X. His time in government has been unusual—marked by ambition, controversy, and sudden twists. As he steps back, both supporters and critics agree on one point: Musk made his presence felt.