Elon Musk is no longer working with Donald Trump, White House issues update

Elon Musk is no longer actively working from the White House alongside President Donald Trump, as officials confirm the tech billionaire has been quietly phased out of his physical role in the administration.

Musk, who was notably close to Trump during the early days of his presidency, is stepping back from his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a task force charged with cutting federal spending.

From Air Force One to the Sidelines

Musk’s early role in Trump’s second term drew widespread attention—and criticism—as he attended high-level cabinet meetings, joined the president aboard Air Force One, and even brought his child to classified budget briefings. However, according to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Musk has shifted to a more remote advisory role.

“Instead of meeting with him in person, I’m talking to him on the phone,” Wiles told The New York Post. “It’s the same net effect. He’s not out of it altogether—just not physically present as much as he was.”

Although Musk himself is no longer based at the White House, his team remains embedded in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, continuing to implement sweeping and controversial federal budget cuts.

“He’ll be stepping back a little, but he’s certainly not abandoning it. And his people are definitely not,” Wiles added.

Federal Spending Freeze Sparks Outrage

This shake-up comes amid growing outrage over the Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to freeze or disrupt over $430 billion in federal funds—from disaster relief to disease research. In response, Democrats have launched a public tracker to monitor what they call an “unprecedented and dangerous” campaign to halt government programs that millions of Americans rely on.

“No American president has ever so flagrantly ignored our nation’s spending laws,” said Senator Patty Murray of Washington and Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, who lead the Appropriations Committees.

“It’s time for Trump and Musk to end this unprecedented and dangerous campaign.”

The administration claims it is targeting waste, fraud, and abuse, but legal battles are now underway to determine the legitimacy of many of the cuts.

Musk’s Political Influence Still Felt

While Elon Musk may no longer be front and center in Trump’s inner circle, his influence over the direction of federal budget policy remains strong through the continued work of the DOGE team. The decision to step back from physical appearances appears to be strategic, rather than a complete exit.