Musk’s Plans in Trump’s Government Collapse

• Musk’s Plans in Trump’s Government Collapse
• As reported by EFE.
• Here are the details.

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has experienced a dramatic trajectory during the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term, going from being regarded as an “unelected co-president” to seeing his influence diminish following Tesla’s collapse.

Despite this setback, experts warn that his influence within the Trump movement and American politics will persist.

In January, Musk stormed into Washington with force, leading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and garnering both praise and criticism:

A “genius” to Trump, a “migrant parasite” to his nemesis Steve Bannon, and a “threat” to the Democratic opposition.

However, three months later—after Tesla’s profits plummeted by 71%—Musk announced he would spend less time in the U.S. capital to focus on his company, though he reaffirmed his commitment to Trump’s government reduction agenda.

Musk’s Plans in Trump’s Government Collapse

On Tesla’s first quarter earnings call, CEO Elon Musk reiterated one clear distinction between him and President Trump: He views tariffs as bad. https://t.co/tc4q1vFFGB
— Yahoo Finance (@YahooFinance) April 26, 2025

Musk had become an omnipresent figure at the White House, to the point that some rumors claimed he was sleeping at the presidential complex.

From his position, he spearheaded the dismantling of USAID, affecting global humanitarian aid, and froze millions of dollars in federal programs.

Leading a young and inexperienced team, he implemented mass layoffs and required federal employees to justify their work weekly to avoid termination.

“He has demolished the federal government’s capacity to implement laws,” said David Super, a professor at Georgetown University, warning that Elon Musk’s actions will impact public hiring for decades.

Musk’s main objective appeared clear: to concentrate power in the hands of the president by reducing the autonomy of federal agencies.

The Beginning of the Fall

?? Tesla plunges: 71% drop in profits during the first quarter of 2025. The cause? Not just the market—also politics. Elon Musk begins distancing himself from Trump’s government after a blow to his image. The cost of playing on two fronts? https://t.co/wajzimxnwd pic.twitter.com/hr7qyjjzar
— DEF (@defrevista) April 23, 2025

However, his aggressive approach quickly created friction within Trump’s own cabinet. Secretaries such as Marco Rubio (State) and Scott Bessent (Treasury) engaged in public clashes with Musk.

Annoyed by leaks to the press, Trump urged the businessman to act “with a scalpel, not a hatchet,” although Musk preferred a more direct and disruptive style—evidenced by his wielding of a chainsaw gifted to him by Argentine President Javier Milei.

Trump’s trade war further exposed tensions between Musk the politician and Musk the businessman, especially due to the damage tariffs caused Tesla.

Added to this were failures such as his attempt to boost a Republican candidate to Wisconsin’s state Supreme Court and the collapse in Tesla sales following protests at its dealerships.

What’s Next for Musk?

Musk wants to leave politics because he’s tired of ‘attacks’ from the left: report https://t.co/qatjrlipcj pic.twitter.com/i2itcsbmoi
— The Independent (@Independent) April 21, 2025

Although Elon Musk will reduce his presence in Washington to “one or two days a week,” his influence is far from over.

With a contract allowing him to work just 130 days a year for the government, his partial retreat was anticipated, but he remains committed to supporting Trump through the end of his term.

Despite pledging to cut between $1 and $2 trillion in government spending, DOGE has so far reported only $160 billion in cuts—a figure experts consider inflated.

His political influence, fueled by his role as the country’s top individual donor, appears secure—even if Tesla ultimately faces bankruptcy.

“Elon Musk’s impact on Washington will last for many, many years,” concluded Don Kettl, emeritus professor of public policy at the University of Maryland.

ALSO OF INTEREST: Democratic Lawmaker Initiates First Attempt to Impeach Trump