Elon Musk’s once-promising alliance with Donald Trump appears to be unraveling, as insiders say the billionaire has shifted from trusted tech advisor to political headache.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who had served as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is reportedly being edged out after a series of controversial moves and public spectacles that rattled Trump’s closest aides.
According to Radar Online, tensions escalated earlier this month following Musk’s push for aggressive government spending cuts, including recommendations to slash $2 trillion from the federal budget and eliminate hundreds of thousands of federal jobs.
While Musk initially impressed Trump with his no-nonsense approach to streamlining operations, his behavior began drawing backlash from senior Cabinet members—particularly Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reportedly clashed with Musk over national security concerns related to his China ties.
MAGA hat stunt and public antics spark GOP outrage
The turning point may have come in February when Musk attended a major conservative political event wearing a black MAGA hat and wielding a real chainsaw. While the Tesla boss framed the move as symbolic, some Republicans viewed it as reckless.
One source close to Trump’s inner circle said the stunt went too far and made Musk appear more like a political liability than a visionary. Senator Lindsey Graham reportedly voiced concern that Musk’s increasingly unpredictable image could damage GOP chances in the upcoming elections.
Trump himself was reportedly upset that Musk had attended a classified Pentagon briefing on U.S.-China relations, viewing the meeting as a conflict of interest given Musk’s extensive business ventures in the country. The incident was said to have triggered a sharp decline in trust between the two.
Musk’s influence dwindles as Trump distances himself
Although Trump has publicly praised Musk in the past, insiders now claim the former president is ready to sideline the billionaire. A senior official stated that Musk will step down from his formal position within DOGE in the coming weeks, though he may retain a limited advisory role.
Musk’s unique status as a special government employee—exempt from certain federal ethics rules—is expected to expire by late spring, marking a significant decline in his power within the White House.
One Trump aide said the final straw may have been Musk’s dwindling influence, pointing to Tesla’s falling stock and a political loss where Musk reportedly spent over $20 million to support a failed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate.
With Musk’s standing on shaky ground, Trump’s team is reportedly preparing for a post-Musk White House era, one that may be quieter but potentially more stable.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.