Source: YouTube

Billionaire Elon Musk says he’s stepping away from his government role to focus on Tesla after a steep drop in profits and growing public backlash. The statement came as Tesla reported a 71% plunge in net income for the first quarter, falling far short of Wall Street expectations. Musk, who has been leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), said he will now reduce his time spent on political matters to just one or two days a week. He claims the decision stems from increasing attacks from the left and pressure to refocus on Tesla’s core business. However, his critics aren’t exactly buying the altruistic explanation. Musk’s 130-day term as a temporary government appointee was already due to expire within weeks. For many, the timing feels less like a principled pivot and more like a convenient exit.

Public Anger Over Elon Musk and DOGE Grows

Elon Musk’s unpopularity in 2025 stems from a mix of overreach, political theatrics, and perceived neglect of his core business. As head of DOGE, he oversaw controversial government job cuts without public accountability, sparking protests and fears of data misuse. Many view his power as unelected and unchecked, especially given his massive donations to Trump and his partisan public statements. At the same time, Tesla’s steep financial decline and Musk’s absence during its downturn have angered both investors and fans. His recent claim to be stepping back from politics is widely seen as damage control, conveniently timed just as his temporary appointment was set to expire.

Across the United States and parts of Europe, protests have erupted in response to Musk’s role in DOGE. The federal advisory group was formed under the Trump administration to cut government jobs and reduce spending. But many Americans now view it as a vehicle for unchecked authority. Critics argue that DOGE has wielded decision-making power far beyond its mandate, slashing budgets and firing workers without public accountability.

Adding fuel to the outrage are reports that DOGE accessed sensitive data from the IRS and Treasury, further alarming privacy advocates and public employees. While Musk insists the program is winding down and that he’s fulfilled his role, many believe the damage has already been done. Temporary or not, the decisions made under DOGE will have long-term consequences.

Elon Musk to Focus on Fighting Fires All Over Tesla

While political fires burn, Tesla is facing real heat from the market. Competitors in China and Europe are launching more advanced and affordable electric vehicles. Meanwhile, tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have made it more expensive for Tesla to source key components for its energy and automotive divisions.

Tesla has also reported a sharp decline in deliveries, with first-quarter sales falling 13% year over year. Its once-dominant position in the EV space is now under threat. The company did generate a small boost from selling environmental credits, but it was not enough to offset operational losses.

Musk says he will focus on several new Tesla initiatives, including launching a lower-cost Model Y and starting a robotaxi pilot in Austin. He also announced plans to begin pilot production of Tesla’s humanoid robots later this year. But after months of headlines about politics, data access, and job cuts, simply returning to the product roadmap may not be enough to repair the company’s image.

Questions Remain About Political Influence

Even as Elon Musk decides to step back, many wonder if this is a real retreat or just a public relations maneuver. His involvement in shaping federal policy has never sat well with critics, especially given his sizable political donations and vocal support for controversial figures. Meanwhile, Trump previously said he would keep Musk “as long as I could keep him.” But recent signs suggest a cooler relationship between Musk and parts of the administration. Some cabinet members have expressed frustration over the backlash Musk’s presence has caused.

Whether or not Elon Musk truly steps away, the questions remain. Who gave DOGE its authority to access and alter federal operations? Should a business leader ever hold that kind of power in a democracy? And will Tesla recover now that its CEO says he’s back—but only after leaving a trail of controversy behind?

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