Vance: Musk to Remain ‘Friend & Adviser’ to Trump After Leaving DOGE/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Vice President JD Vance confirmed Thursday that Elon Musk will step down from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) but continue as a “friend and adviser” to the Trump administration. Despite Musk’s upcoming departure, Doge will continue its work into 2026.
Musk’s Shift From Doge – Quick Looks
- Musk Stepping Down: His Doge role ends after 130-day limit.
- Vance Confirmation: Musk will remain a close Trump adviser.
- White House Pushback: Officials call departure rumors “garbage.”
- Private Sector Return: Musk expected to re-focus on business.
- Doge Timeline: Initiative expected to continue through 2026.
- Efficiency Mission: Musk was tasked with slashing bureaucracy.
- Political Blowback: Musk-backed judge lost Wisconsin race.
- Role Evolution: From hands-on reformer to informal advisor.
Vance: Musk to Remain ‘Friend & Adviser’ to Trump After Leaving DOGE
Deep Look
Elon Musk to Leave Government Role, Stay in Trump’s Inner Circle
Elon Musk will soon conclude his limited-time role with the Department of Government Efficiency, known as Doge, but will remain a trusted confidant to both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, according to comments from Vance on Fox News Thursday morning.
The confirmation follows a wave of speculation and conflicting reports regarding Musk’s future in the administration. While Politico and others reported this week that Trump had privately told his cabinet Musk would be “stepping back” from his role, the billionaire himself pushed back on social media, calling the story “fake news.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt similarly dismissed the claims, stating Musk would “depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at Doge is complete.”
130-Day Cap Nearing
Musk’s departure is legally required due to a 130-day cap for special government employees — a designation he has held since shortly after Trump’s inauguration. That cap is expected to expire by late May, barring any extensions or legal reclassifications.
Despite his exit, Vance emphasized that Musk’s contributions will continue informally.
“Elon is going to remain a friend and an adviser of both me and the president,” Vance said. “Doge has got a lot of work to do … and the work of Elon is not even close to done.”
What Was Musk’s Mission in Doge?
Musk was recruited in early 2025 to lead Trump’s bureaucracy-slimming campaign. Doge’s mission is to slash government waste, reduce red tape, and restructure federal departments — moves widely supported by conservatives but met with backlash from federal employee unions and progressive lawmakers.
Vance described the job as a six-month sprint: “We need you to shrink the incredible fat bureaucracy that thwarts the will of the American people,” he said.
Doge’s mandate, however, will extend until 2026 under Trump’s executive order, and it is unclear who may step into Musk’s shoes after his departure.
Political Ramifications
Musk’s visibility in government has become politically charged. Just days before Vance’s comments, a liberal judge defeated a Musk-backed conservative in Wisconsin’s pivotal Supreme Court race, which Democrats framed as a referendum on Trump and Musk’s influence.
The $21 million spent by Musk-linked groups in the race failed to yield a win, prompting new scrutiny of his political sway and fundraising reach. Despite this setback, Trump allies maintain that Musk remains a valuable force behind the scenes.
Unfinished Business
Even as Musk prepares to exit the federal payroll, Doge’s controversial initiatives — which include mass layoffs, agency closures, and contract cancellations — continue to face legal challenges and congressional inquiries. It remains to be seen how the initiative evolves without Musk’s direct leadership.
Still, Vance assured that the administration sees Musk as a lasting ally.
“Of course he’s going to continue to be an adviser,” Vance said, reinforcing that the Tesla CEO’s proximity to the White House remains firm.
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