Photo: Getty Images North America
Elon Musk is stepping back from politics and refocusing on Mars, electric cars, and AI robots as his stint as a "special government employee" under the Trump administration comes to an end. Musk confirmed his departure Wednesday, saying he’ll remain an outside adviser but will scale back his political involvement after a year that damaged both his personal brand and his companies.
In aseveral recent interviews, Musk criticized the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” passed by the House, calling it a blow to his Department of Government Efficiency. Musk said DOGE saved $175 billion, while admitting his original savings goal of $2 trillion was overly ambitious.
Musk will return to tech life in his own South Texas City. In early May, SpaceX and CEO Elon Musk got their own city. Residents of Cameron County voted to create the city of Starbase, centered around the SpaceX facility there. Musk announced that news on X, as well, saying "Starbase, Texas is now a real city."