Musk’s departure from the Department of Government Efficiency comes amid layoffs, political backlash, and a push to revitalize Tesla’s AI ambitions.

Measured from Trump's inauguration on 20 January, the 130-day limit - assuming Musk, who brags about working weekends, clocks roughly five days a week at Doge - would run out toward the end of May. But scaling back would extend that timeframe. Additionally, the 130-day limit would reset in January 2026.

Elon Musk said he would keep doing part-time work for the Trump administration beyond next month, raising more questions about his role and whether the White House is following the rules.

According to Axios, the heated argument between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent happened after Musk made an end-run around the Treasury boss to have Trump install a former IRS agent who leaked details about former president Joe Biden ’s son’s taxes atop the tax collecting agency as a temporary commissioner until Trump’s pick to lead it is confirmed by the Senate.