Elon Musk’s physical presence in the White House may be diminishing, but his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues, albeit remotely, as he signals an impending shift back towards steering Tesla. According to a Yahoo Finance report , White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirmed that Musk, who spent much of the Trump administration’s first 100 days working from the Oval Office, is now contributing to DOGE via phone calls rather than in-person meetings, even as his unpaid government contract approaches its May end date.

The Remote Efficiency Czar

After a high-profile, hands-on start characterized by significant federal job cuts and program reviews aimed at streamlining government, Musk is transitioning his DOGE involvement. Chief of Staff Wiles downplayed the significance of his physical absence, telling the New York Post, “Instead of meeting with him in person, I’m talking to him on the phone, but it’s the same net effect.” She emphasized continuity, stating, “it really doesn’t matter much” that Musk isn’t physically present and assured that his DOGE team remains active. “He’ll be stepping back a little, but he’s certainly not abandoning it. And his people are definitely not,” Wiles added, suggesting Musk’s influence on the efficiency initiative persists despite the change in working arrangements.

Balancing Government Duties and Tesla Troubles

This shift comes as Musk himself has indicated a need to refocus on his primary venture, Tesla. The electric vehicle giant recently reported a challenging first quarter, with net income plunging 71% year-over-year. Tesla missed analyst expectations on both adjusted earnings-per-share and revenue, with total auto revenue declining by 20%. Musk’s intense involvement in DOGE during the administration’s initial months coincided with this difficult period for Tesla, raising questions among investors and analysts about the division of his attention. His planned return to a more dedicated focus on Tesla aligns with the company’s urgent need to navigate market headwinds, production challenges, and increasing competition.

Lingering Questions and Future Focus

While Musk’s direct White House engagement seems to be winding down, his continued remote involvement with DOGE maintains his connection to the administration’s policy agenda. The exact nature and impact of his remote contributions remain to be seen, especially compared to his initial, highly visible efforts. For Tesla stakeholders, the key takeaway is Musk’s stated intention to re-engage more fully with the automaker. As Tesla works to launch new products like the Cybercab and a lower-cost model while addressing profitability concerns, Musk’s leadership and focus are widely seen as critical.

EVXL’s Take

So, the whirlwind romance between Elon Musk and the West Wing seems to be settling into a long-distance relationship. Working remotely for DOGE while promising to get back to the Tesla mothership? Sounds familiar to anyone juggling multiple demanding projects. It’s hardly surprising Musk needs to refocus on Tesla, especially after those Q1 numbers landed with a thud – a 71% drop in net income isn’t exactly pocket change. While his DOGE stint certainly shook things up in D.C., Tesla is his empire, and empires need their emperors, especially during stormy weather. Will dialing it in for DOGE be enough? And more importantly for us EV folks, will a refocused Musk reignite Tesla’s momentum? Time will tell, but it feels like a necessary course correction for the chief.

Photo courtesy of Tesla