Protesters at a ‘Tesla Takedown’ event in Tempe
Demonstrators congregate at the Tempe Tesla dealership to criticize Elon Musk and his unaccountable influence on the federal government through DOGE.
- Elon Musk is anticipated to exit his post at the Department of Government Efficiency this spring.
- President Trump has acknowledged Musk’s impending departure, citing his business obligations.
- The future of proposed DOGE stimulus checks remains in limbo following Musk’s departure.
In recent days, Elon Musk’s position within the Trump administration has faced scrutiny as Trump hinted that Musk might return to his business ventures soon.
According to reports from Fox News, the White House confirmed on Tuesday that Elon Musk will step down from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency this spring.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tweeted on April 2 that Musk would depart once his work with DOGE is finished, following Trump’s suggestion that Musk would soon leave his governmental role.
“Both Elon Musk and President Trump have publicly indicated that Elon will step away from public service as a special government employee upon completion of his significant work at DOGE,” she stated.
Musk responded to Leavitt’s post with, “Yeah, fake news.”
On March 31, President Donald Trump suggested that Musk could be leaving the federal government soon to return to his business interests, as reported by Politico.
“He’s extraordinary, but he has a major company to manage, and at some point, he will want to return,” Trump remarked about the Tesla CEO. “He wishes to. I would retain him for as long as possible,” Trump said during a White House signing ceremony for an executive order on March 31.
In a Fox News interview, Vice President JD Vance commented, “DOGE has a considerable amount of work ahead. This work will continue after Elon departs, but fundamentally, Elon will remain a friend and advisor to both myself and the president.”
Does this mean that DOGE stimulus checks are off the table? Will the drive for dividends persist after Musk moves on from DOGE? Here’s what you need to know.
Update on DOGE dividend checks
Musk appeared to sidestep inquiries regarding the DOGE stimulus checks—an initiative that gained traction among supporters in February—during a rally in Wisconsin on March 30.
The billionaire and CEO of Tesla acknowledged that any stimulus from DOGE’s questionable savings would require congressional approval.
“It’s really up to Congress and possibly the president as to whether specific checks are issued,” Musk explained.
No proposal has yet been submitted to Congress, which is necessary before the government can distribute checks. However, CEO James Fishback, who originated the idea, has stated it will occur soon. Fishback reported that he has shared his proposal with several lawmakers for feedback and has had productive discussions about it.
Musk indicated that Americans would feel the repercussions of the extensive cuts his team is implementing, resulting in relief from inflation, even if a stimulus check is not dispatched.
Previously, Musk suggested that achieving the necessary amount for the stimulus checks might not be feasible. If it does take place, it could require more time than anticipated.
