The Future of Dogecoin Without Elon Musk: What’s at Stake?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced he will step back from his role with the Trump administration’s cost-cutting task force known as DOGE — the Department of Government Efficiency.
While the White House, including President Donald Trump, claims Musk’s departure has been long-planned, the announcement comes amid a sharp downturn for Tesla, which recently reported a staggering 71% drop in profits.
Musk's statement has raised several questions — including the exact timing of his exit and the future of DOGE in his absence.
Questions Over Musk’s Role and Timeline
Musk is currently designated as a “special government employee” (SGE), a status allowing him to serve up to 130 days a year in a government capacity, either paid or unpaid.
According to a 2007 Justice Department memo, any day an SGE performs any official duty counts as a full day toward that cap. With Musk reportedly working at DOGE several days a week, he was on track to hit the 130-day limit by late May — unless he scales back.
Reducing his workload could extend his government service into next year, when the 130-day limit resets in January 2026.
Musk has not released a timeline or specifics of his schedule, and it's unclear how many days he has officially worked so far — or whether anyone is keeping count.
Ethics Concerns and Fallout
Critics have questioned the legality and transparency of Musk’s appointment, citing potential conflicts of interest due to his sprawling business empire. Companies under Musk’s control, like SpaceX, hold significant U.S. government contracts — SpaceX alone has deals worth $22 billion.
SGE rules require ethics training, confidential financial disclosures, and strict limits on political activities during official duties. Musk has previously been photographed in the Oval Office wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, a possible violation of those restrictions.
A White House source told CBS News in February that Musk had received an ethics briefing and would file the necessary financial disclosure — but no public confirmation has been made.
Protests and Business Impact
Tesla’s financial troubles follow growing global backlash over Musk’s government involvement. Protesters have staged "Tesla Takedown" demonstrations across multiple countries, some of which have turned violent — with Tesla showrooms and charging stations set on fire.
While most protests have remained peaceful, calls for boycotts have intensified, and pressure is mounting on Musk both in the corporate and political spheres.
For now, DOGE continues without clarity on its leadership future, and the world watches to see how Musk's dual roles in politics and business will evolve.
