Elon Musk prepares to exit as Trump's advisor amid controversy

In the United States, Elon Musk is set to step back from his advisory role to President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that President Trump has expressed satisfaction with Musk’s performance, particularly in fiscal matters such as reducing government costs. However, Musk’s recent activities have caused concern within the White House, raising questions about his influence and role within the administration. His declining popularity due to a recent failed election campaign in Wisconsin, where he actively campaigned for the conservatives, has heightened scrutiny over his position in the government. In particular, Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin state Supreme Court race, which resulted in an unexpected loss for the conservative candidate, has led to speculation about the impact of Musk’s role on the Republican party’s electoral prospects. With the Republicans aiming to secure a strong performance in the upcoming 2026 midterms, there are fears that Musk's continued prominence might negatively affect voter sentiment. Complaints have arisen from GOP districts indicating that Musk’s unpopularity could pose a threat to their chances in key electoral battlegrounds. Given this backdrop, it appears that Musk and Trump have agreed it is prudent for him to transition back to a more limited role. The political environment and public polling suggest that containment of Musk's influence may foster better electoral outcomes for the GOP moving forward. As a part of this adjustment, Musk is expected to continue supporting the administration informally while focusing on his businesses, particularly Tesla, whose stock performance has suffered amid his distractions in government. The upcoming expiration of Musk’s time as a designated special government employee adds a layer of urgency to this transition. With this timeline, it seems Musk will remain connected to the administration but without the direct responsibilities and public scrutiny that have characterized his current role. Although reports confirm that President Trump is still pleased with Musk’s contributions, particularly regarding government efficiencies, the pressures from White House insiders and the electoral need to bolster Republican chances signal a shift is underway. In summary, while Musk’s significant achievements in government cost-cutting may have impressed Trump, the need to mitigate risks associated with his public persona and declining popularity has prompted the decision for a strategic withdrawal from active advising.