Speculation about Elon Musk stepping away from his role as an adviser to the Trump administration is unfounded, according to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Addressing recent media reports, Vance made it clear that Musk remains actively engaged in government reforms and will continue working closely with both him and President Donald Trump.

Musk Still Committed to Trump Administration’s Goals

Musk is currently involved with the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which is leading efforts to cut red tape and streamline federal operations. Since Trump’s return to office, the administration has prioritized reducing bureaucracy, arguing that smaller government will improve efficiency and save taxpayer money.

Under Doge’s guidance, thousands of federal jobs have been eliminated. The initiative has faced strong opposition, with protests erupting in Washington, D.C., and other major cities. Many critics blame Musk directly, accusing him of treating government like a business, with little regard for the human cost of job losses.

Despite the backlash, Vance stressed that Musk’s work is far from over. “Elon will continue to be a valuable partner and friend—to me and to the president,” Vance said in an interview. “Doge’s work isn’t done, and neither is his.”

Trump Acknowledges Musk May Scale Back Involvement

While Musk remains committed to the administration’s objectives, President Trump has indicated that he is open to Musk reducing his advisory role in the future. Reports from Politico and ABC News suggest that Trump and Musk have discussed a possible transition in the coming months.

Musk, who leads Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, has reportedly expressed a desire to refocus on his businesses. Running multiple companies while advising the White House has stretched him thin, and he has hinted at the need to step back from public policy work.

Trump addressed these reports, saying, “He wants to get back to running his companies. I understand that—and I’ll keep him around as long as possible.”

Despite these comments, no immediate changes to Musk’s role have been announced. Insiders believe that if he does step away from Doge, it will be a gradual shift rather than an abrupt departure.

Government Efficiency Plan Sparks Controversy

The government downsizing initiative Musk has helped shape has been one of the most controversial policies of Trump’s second term. Supporters argue that it is long overdue, as many federal agencies have been bloated with unnecessary positions. Critics, however, warn that these cutbacks could cripple essential government services.

• The Department of Education has seen a 30% reduction in administrative staff.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has cut 40% of non-essential positions.
• The IRS has downsized, leading to delays in tax processing and complaints from taxpayers.
• NASA has faced internal restructuring, with some programs being shifted to private sector partnerships.

Some of the loudest opposition has come from public sector unions, which have organized demonstrations against Musk’s involvement. Protesters have gathered outside Tesla factories and SpaceX launch sites, calling for Musk to step down from his government role.

Musk’s Influence on Policy

Musk’s impact on government policy goes beyond efficiency reforms. He has been a key voice in discussions about energy, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.

• He has pushed for expanded nuclear energy production, arguing that it is the fastest way to achieve energy independence.
• His support for deregulating AI has alarmed some experts who fear rapid advancements without oversight.
• He has proposed privatizing more aspects of NASA, which has sparked debates about the role of government in space exploration.

Musk’s critics say his influence gives too much power to a billionaire with business interests that benefit from deregulation. Supporters, on the other hand, believe his expertise is invaluable in shaping policies that modernize government operations.

Will Musk Stay or Go?

For now, Musk remains an active member of Trump’s inner circle. However, as tensions over government reforms grow and pressure mounts on Musk to focus on his companies, his role in Washington may shift.

The White House has not confirmed any changes, and Vice President Vance’s strong defense of Musk suggests that he will continue to play a significant role for the foreseeable future.

If Musk does decide to step back, it will likely be on his own terms. Given his history, any transition would not mean disappearing from public policy discussions altogether. Instead, he may shift from an official advisory role to an informal influence behind the scenes.

As the situation evolves, Musk’s next move will be closely watched. His involvement in government has already reshaped policies in significant ways, and whether he stays or goes, his impact will be felt for years to come.