Elon Musk indicated on Tuesday that he would devote less time to the US President’s government efficiency commission, “probably” as early as May 2025.
Elon Musk’s first 100 days in office have shaken the United States to its core, but the world’s richest man has begun to scale back his ambitions.
The Tesla boss and close advisor to Donald Trump, Elon Musk explained on Tuesday, April 22, that he will spend much less time, starting in May, leading the Commission for Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by US President Donald Trump to reduce federal spending.
“Probably starting next month, May, the time I’m going to allocate to Doge is going to decrease significantly,” Musk said during a conference call after the release of sharply lower results for his electric car company.
Tesla sales are declining
The group announced first-quarter results on Tuesday that fell short of expectations, affected in particular by Elon Musk’s close collaboration with the Trump administration.
Tesla’s global sales fell more sharply than expected in the first quarter, with just 336,681 vehicles delivered (-13% year-on-year), according to figures released in early April.
“Starting next month, I will be devoting more of my time to Tesla,” he continued, stating that the commission’s “crucial work” was “largely accomplished.” In early April, Elon Musk had already denounced “fake news” following an article in the American press announcing his departure “in the coming weeks.”
Results that cause debate
Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in mid-January, Elon Musk has headed DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), the commission for the efficiency of the American government established by the American president.
Elon Musk’s track record is the subject of debate, as many experts believe his team overstates its performance. For example, the commission boasted of a supposed $8 billion in savings that, in reality, amounted to only $8 million.
Among the many drastic cuts ordered by DOGE, some concern international aid programs, helping to fight AIDS in Kenya or South Africa or to combat hunger in Sudan. Elon Musk’s work has thus created concern for these countries.