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On Capitol Hill, there was a clear sense of relief among Republicans from various factions: Finally.
The news that emerged on Wednesday—that billionaire Elon Musk might soon distance himself from his close ties with President Donald Trump—was embraced by senior GOP aides with a sigh of relief. Musk, often perceived as a chaotic influence on Trump, was seen as a hindrance to the party’s conservative objectives. While there were indications that Musk might not completely sever his connection to the administration, it seemed he might reduce his public involvement. Such ambiguity fits with a President who tends to resist pressure and avoids validating his critics.
As the CEO of Tesla, who also owns Twitter and has ambitions for Mars colonization, Musk has emerged as a significant distraction and a polarizing figure for a Republican establishment that ideally should be cohesive, having control over both the House and Senate in addition to the presidency. His frequent visits to the White House have frustrated Cabinet members and department heads, highlighting the perceived amateurism and self-serving nature of Trump’s inner circle. Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency have hurried through Washington, implementing swift cuts to programs and jobs that even some fiscal conservatives view as extreme and reckless, all while benefiting significantly from government contracts for his ventures.
The expectation of Musk stepping back, first reported by Politico, came just a day after disappointing outcomes for Republicans in special elections in Florida and Wisconsin. Early evaluations of the second Trump administration indicated that Republicans were struggling in areas that typically favor them, culminating in a state Supreme Court race that Musk had personally championed. In this contest, usually decided by a slim margin, the liberal candidate won decisively by 10 points, marking a significant setback.
“A day late and a dollar short,” one Hill aide texted, linking to the Politico article. “Glad we made the WI-SC race all about Elon.” The sarcasm was palpable.
Another aide chimed in with a lyric from Lizzo: “About damn time.”
The report faced immediate backlash, particularly from Trump loyalists. The prevailing argument was that while Musk has indeed tarnished the GOP’s image and his role in Wisconsin was a clear failure, his celebrity status aligns well with Trump’s self-image. Moreover, as the wealthiest individual globally, Musk remains a financially valuable asset.
The White House officially dismissed the report as “garbage,” but signs have emerged suggesting that Musk’s time may be limited, including Trump’s remarks implying that Musk would eventually need to return to his business ventures.
“At some point, Elon’s going to want to go back to his company,” Trump stated on Monday.
Republicans on the Hill have largely tolerated Musk due to his influence over the President, who has invited him to various Cabinet meetings, bill signings, and even his joint address to Congress. Musk’s presence has overshadowed others in Trump’s Cabinet, and frustrations within the inner circle have become apparent as those tasked with governance express irritation over directives from Trump’s billionaire ally. Lawmakers have raised concerns about being caught off guard by sudden cuts and changes, putting them at risk back in their districts. Musk and his team have barged into several departments, demanding sensitive data to identify waste, fraud, and abuse—often making cuts and announcing reductions without fully understanding the existing circumstances.
Musk’s early weeks in government have led to reports of veterans losing their jobs, entire agencies being shut down—potentially unconstitutional, according to court rulings—and benefits being threatened. This has resulted in a steady stream of negative headlines, although White House aides have attempted to downplay these issues, aware that Musk has invested over $250 million in Trump’s past campaign and has committed $100 million for future endeavors.
Lawmakers have been trying to alert the White House about escalating issues their constituents face, yet they have been cautious not to appear anti-Musk. While Trump supporters might claim they want government cuts, they are less enthusiastic when the implications become clear—especially as farm subsidies are threatened, V.A. clinics face closure, and popular programs in rural schools are at risk. Essentially, local consequences could escalate into a broader national crisis.
The election results from Tuesday served as an early warning about these challenges and their potential fallout. Musk made the Wisconsin race a personal cause, asserting that the fate of Western civilization was at stake. He campaigned in the state over the weekend for a Trump-endorsed candidate, even distributing checks to voters. Wisconsin has a history of political outsiders making a splash; it has long been a proving ground for groups backed by the Koch brothers—but the enthusiasm among Democrats to reject Musk’s influence was unmistakable.
In Florida, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the election results on Wednesday, blaming the narrow rescue of two races in solid MAGA territory on Trump. While DeSantis has openly critiqued one of the nominees, he acknowledged that this trajectory is concerning for the GOP.
As White House aides rushed to control the narrative surrounding these setbacks, the simplest solution appeared: distance from Musk. Given the nature of his role, Musk was always expected to be a transient presence, likely stepping back in May. His involvement with DOGE remained secondary while he continued managing his companies and pursuing space exploration. Accelerating his departure, or at least promoting his withdrawal from the public eye, could be advantageous for Trump.
Historically, Trump has shown that his loyalty is not unconditional. Rather than endure political discomfort, he has frequently pushed aides out of the limelight. Although Musk commands Trump’s admiration and respect—and possesses unmatched financial resources—there’s no reason to believe he wouldn’t eventually be sidelined as well. This has been precisely what traditional Republicans have been hoping for, and they were uplifted on Wednesday by the prospect that some patterns are indeed consistent. While the specifics of Musk’s departure remain uncertain, the positive reception of discussions about it among Hill Republicans may serve as the encouragement that prompts Trump to formalize Musk’s transition.
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