Elon Musk Leaves Behind Chaos as Legacy in Trump Presidency

Elon Musk’s Tumultuous Tenure in Trump Administration Ends Amid Controversy

 By MANISH ANAND

NEW DELHI, May 29, 2025 – Elon Musk’s brief but impactful role in the Trump administration has come to an end. His stay in the Trump administration was marked by a series of controversies and a mixed legacy of efficiency drives and executive overreach.

Appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk’s 130-day tenure was characterized by initiatives to dismantle bureaucracy, slash regulations, and restructure federal agencies.

However, his departure, announced yesterday in a post via his social media platform X, has been met with a mix of relief and criticism from experts and media outlets.

Role and Initiatives

Musk’s role was part of Trump’s broader strategy to inject private sector efficiency into government operations. Critics, including Trump’s predecessor and former US President Joe Biden, had warned of the rule of oligarchs with Musk in focus.

Musk faced popular protests for upending several federal agencies. Sudden layoffs brought a large number of federal staffers to raise banners of revolt against Musk and also fuel anti-Trump sentiments on the street.

Musl’s initiatives included significant job cuts, regulatory rollbacks, and attempts to privatize certain government functions, as noted by The New York Times: “Musk’s approach was to apply Tesla’s disruption model to the federal government, but the scale and complexity proved daunting.”

Controversies and Criticisms

Musk’s tenure was not without controversy. His conflicts of interest, particularly with Tesla and SpaceX, drew scrutiny. NPR’s Eric Lipton highlighted how Musk’s companies benefited from his role, stating, “Musk’s position gave him influence over agencies regulating his businesses, raising questions about impartiality.”

On X, @LegalEagle_US commented, “Musk’s dual role as a government efficiency czar and a business tycoon created an inherent conflict of interest, undermining public trust.”

CNN noted, “His public feuds with career bureaucrats and his use of X to announce policy changes without consultation alienated many within the administration.” The Washington Post added, “Musk’s approach was seen as chaotic, with rapid decisions often reversing months of work by federal employees.”

Legal and Political Ramifications

Musk’s departure comes amidst legal challenges to Trump’s executive actions. A recent court ruling blocking most Trump tariffs highlighted the limits of presidential authority, a theme that also applied to Musk’s role.

Trump Presidency began with newsbreak that Musk was usurping more roles than just the head of DOGE. He reportedly met Iran’s UN envoy within the first few days of Trump’s second term in the Oval Office.

Musk also created tension between the US and South Africa by claiming that the White South Africans were facing discrimination and their lands were being grabbed. The episode exploded with Trump playing a fake video clip in the presence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Musk also drew the US into the domestic politics of Germany, France, and Canada. He took active sides, and opposed the Liberals in the three nations which went to the polls.

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About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

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