Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he may continue his government’s efficiency and work throughout the remainder of President Donald Trump’s second term as he calls for him to move away from politics.
Musk said he plans to reduce his role to “a day or two or two” from next month, or as long as the president wants it from me, and as long as it’s useful, to “a day or two.”
The executive commented on Tesla’s quarterly revenue calls after Tesla confirmed in a shareholder’s letter that “political sentiment” was harming the company’s sales. Combined with other factors, such as increased competition and Trump’s tariff disruption, Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration helped drive a 71% decline in profits compared to last year’s first quarter.
Musk’s comments come just a few days after one of Tesla’s biggest supporters on Wall Street said that if the CEO doesn’t pull back from government work, the company is in a “code red” situation.
The work Musk did at Doge to Gut Government Agencies, in his words, brought about global protests against him and Tesla by giving it to “The Wood Chipper.”
Musk attempted Tuesday’s call to accusing the protest of being “paid” without providing evidence. He argued that attendees are “protesting because they are receiving fraudulent money or waste receivers.”
Musk said the “maintainment work” doge has finished. He is technically a “special government employee” and should limit his work to 130 days in 365 days. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.