Elon Musk announces resignation as special government advisor to President Donald Trump, citing disappointment with the administration’s tax legislation and growing concerns over government use of AI technology and privacy violations.

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U.S. Government Uses Elon Musk’s AI Service Grok, Raising Conflict of Interest Concerns

Washington, D.C., May 28, 2025 – Elon Musk announced his resignation as a special government advisor to President Donald Trump, thanking the president for the opportunity to lead efforts in reducing federal bureaucracy through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk’s departure comes shortly after he publicly criticized Trump’s flagship tax legislation, describing it as a “massive spending bill” that increases the federal deficit and undermines his department’s work.

In addition to fiscal disagreements, Musk’s resignation follows rising concerns within government entities about the use of the AI system Grok, developed under his guidance, due to potential violations of privacy and data security.

These issues have sparked debates over the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence in public administration, adding pressure on Musk’s role in the administration.

As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.

The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 29, 2025

A Break Reflecting Broader Frustrations Within Trump’s Administration

Musk’s public break with the administration highlights tensions between technocratic reformers and the hardline political agenda pushed by Trump and his allies. His critique of the tax bill and the AI privacy concerns reveal deeper conflicts over governance priorities, fiscal responsibility, and ethical technology use.

Progressive voices see Musk’s exit as emblematic of the contradictions within the current administration, which struggles to balance corporate interests with social accountability and transparency.

As Musk returns his focus to private ventures like Tesla and SpaceX, his resignation underscores the challenges faced by reform-minded figures working within an administration marked by policy contradictions and growing public scrutiny over privacy and government overreach.

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