(AP) — Elon Musk is stepping down from his government role as a top adviser to President Donald Trump. He led efforts to reduce and overhaul the federal bureaucracy.

His departure, announced Wednesday evening, marks the end of a turbulent chapter. This period included thousands of layoffs, the dismantling of government agencies, and extensive litigation. Despite the sweeping changes, Musk struggled in the unfamiliar political environment and achieved far less than he had hoped.

He reduced his initial goal for spending cuts — from $2 trillion to $1 trillion, and finally to $150 billion. Along the way, he voiced growing frustration over resistance to his agenda. At times, he clashed with other top officials in the Trump administration. Some bristled at his attempts to reshape their departments. Political backlash was also intense.

Musk’s advisory role was always meant to be temporary. Recently, he had signaled plans to return to managing his companies. These include electric automaker Tesla and aerospace firm SpaceX.

Musk Makes Exit Official

White House officials were often vague about when Musk would exit. On Wednesday, he confirmed his departure with a post on X, the social media platform he owns.

“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” he wrote.
“The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the news.

Musk Criticizes Trump’s Legislative Agenda

Musk’s announcement came a day after CBS aired part of an interview in which he criticized Trump’s major legislative bill. He said he was “disappointed” by the package the president calls his “big beautiful bill.”

The legislation combines tax cuts with tougher immigration enforcement. Musk called it a “massive spending bill” that increases the deficit and “undermines the work” of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful,” Musk said. “But I don’t know if it can be both.”

Trump Defends the Bill

Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump defended the legislation. He acknowledged it had flaws but said compromises were necessary.

“I’m not happy about certain aspects of it,” Trump said, “but I’m thrilled by other aspects of it.”

He also suggested the bill could still change.

“We’re going to see what happens,” he said. “It’s got a way to go.”