Elon Musk says he’s stepping away from political spending after taking a beating on several fronts.
“I’ve done enough,” Musk said Tuesday during a talk at the Qatar Economic Forum. “In terms of political spending, I’m going to do a lot less in the future. If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. I do not currently see a reason.”
It’s a major shift from one of the most powerful and controversial political donors of the past year.
Musk poured at least $250 million into helping Donald Trump win a second term, including three massive $25 million checks just weeks before Election Day. After Trump returned to the White House, Musk was brought in to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, where he pushed for sweeping layoffs and deep budget cuts across federal agencies.
But the billionaire’s aggressive role quickly turned him into a lightning rod.
Democrats seized on Musk’s influence as a rallying cry, painting him as the face of an extreme anti-government agenda. The backlash was swift—Tesla’s stock plummeted, and the brand, once admired for innovation, became a lightning rod for public anger and political division.
In April, Musk’s super PAC, America PAC, dumped $12 million into a high-stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court race to boost conservative Brad Schimel. The effort flopped. Liberal candidate Susan Crawford not only won, she turned Musk’s involvement into a key campaign issue. Voters weren’t just rejecting Schimel—they were rejecting Musk.
Now, Musk says he’s stepping away. And not just from campaign cash.
His role as a “special government employee” is also ending. The position, which allowed him to work inside the Trump administration for up to 130 days, expires at the end of this month. He’s made it clear he doesn’t plan to stay on.
Elon Musk:
“In terms of political spending, I’m gonna do a lot less in the future…I think I've done enough.”
🤣🍿🤣🍿🤣🍿🤣🍿🤣🍿 pic.twitter.com/7G7e1isSSZ
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) May 20, 2025
If Musk really does retreat from politics, it could leave a noticeable hole. With the 2026 midterms approaching, Trump and Republican candidates may struggle to replace the deep pockets—and loud voice—that Musk brought to the table.
But for now, Musk says he’s had enough. And after a year of political swings and stumbles, the man who spent hundreds of millions trying to reshape the country appears ready to sit the next round out.
