In a choreographed Oval Office farewell, U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk projected solidarity as the Tesla CEO ended his tumultuous role leading government cost-cutting efforts, leaving American workers and European markets grappling with the fallout. The May 30, 2025, event, meant to quell rumors of a rift, underscores Musk’s shift back to his business empire, stirring unease among Tesla’s European consumers and U.S. federal employees.
Musk, who led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for four months, stepped down on May 30 as his 130-day special government employee mandate expired. At the White House, Trump praised Musk’s work, which eliminated thousands of jobs and cut billions in spending, including most U.S. foreign aid. “Elon is really not leaving. He’s going to be back and forth,” Trump said, standing beside Musk, who wore a black DOGE hat and a “The Dogefather” T-shirt. Trump gifted Musk a golden key in a signed wooden box, reserved for “very special people.” Musk, affirming his advisory role, told reporters, “If there’s anything the president wants me to do, I’m at his service.” His departure followed tensions, notably his public criticism of Trump’s tax and spending bill as “too expensive,” which irked aides like Stephen Miller and Susie Wiles.
Musk’s DOGE tenure, launched with a $2 trillion savings goal, fell short, achieving $19 billion in cuts, per U.S. Treasury data, though DOGE claimed $175 billion. The cuts disrupted agencies, including safety training at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, endangering workers like Maine fisherman Tom O’Brien, who said, “Those programs saved my crew last year.” Musk blamed the “banal evil of bureaucracy” but insisted, “This is not the end of DOGE but the beginning.” His exit, signaled in April, aligns with Tesla’s struggles—its stock dropped 11% in 2025 amid protests at European and U.S. outlets over Musk’s political ties.
The context is fraught. Musk, who spent nearly $300 million backing Trump’s 2024 campaign, faced blowback. In Berlin, Tesla driver Anna Schmidt, 38, said, “I love my car, but Musk’s politics make me question the brand.” Protests, some violent, targeted Tesla showrooms, slashing sales. Meanwhile, SpaceX, with $22 billion in U.S. contracts, gained from Musk’s influence, with allies now leading NASA and the Air Force. In Brussels, trade officials worry Musk’s cuts could disrupt U.S.-EU economic ties, particularly in tech and automotive sectors. A German analyst noted, “Tesla’s European market share could shrink if consumer trust erodes.”
Reactions are polarized. Federal workers, like Virginia clerk Maria Lopez, fear more cuts: “My job’s already on the line.” Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, criticized DOGE’s “reckless” layoffs, while Republicans like Senator Marco Rubio praised its intent but urged oversight. Public sentiment, reflected online, splits along partisan lines—58% view Musk unfavorably, per recent polls. Tesla investors, like Amsterdam’s Pieter de Vries, welcome Musk’s return: “He’s Tesla’s soul. We need him focused.” Trump’s team, despite internal frustrations, maintains Musk’s advisory role ensures influence without daily chaos.
The implications ripple across the Atlantic. Europe, a key Tesla market, faces uncertainty as Musk’s political stance alienates liberal consumers. EU regulators, already scrutinizing U.S. tech firms, may tighten oversight of SpaceX’s Starlink, used in over 100 countries. The cuts’ economic impact—potentially costing $135 billion in lost productivity, per a U.S. think tank—could strain transatlantic trade. A French trade official said, “U.S. instability affects our markets.” Musk’s reduced political spending, announced in Qatar on May 20, may temper his influence, but his Trump ties keep him a wildcard.
The outlook is uncertain. DOGE’s future, with key staff like Steve Davis departing, hinges on congressional support, unlikely under Republican control. Tesla’s European sales may rebound if Musk dials back politics, but consumer trust is fragile. Workers like O’Brien brace for safety risks, while Lopez hopes for job security. As Musk refocuses on Tesla and SpaceX, Europe watches warily, its markets and policies intertwined with a U.S. navigating post-DOGE turbulence.
