Elon Musk, one of the most influential entrepreneurs of the 21st century, has maintained close ties with the US federal government and has enjoyed a prominent position within the Trump administration. Serving as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk was brought in to streamline federal operations, cut down bureaucratic overheads, and inject innovation into public administration. However, as of 2025, reports suggest a growing rift between Musk and key figures within the White House. A recent exposé by Rolling Stone highlights rising frustration among cabinet members, with some senior officials describing Musk’s behavior as disruptive and even irritating. The tension stems not only from Musk’s interpersonal conduct but also from concerns surrounding his leadership approach, decision-making, and alleged erratic behavior.
Elon Musk’s role in the Donald Trump administration
Elon Musk was appointed as the chief of DOGE with the primary goal of enhancing government efficiency. His mandate involved restructuring administrative processes, slashing excessive federal expenditures, and introducing corporate management strategies into federal operations. Since assuming this role, Musk has implemented several aggressive reforms, including large-scale workforce reductions and department consolidations, positioning DOGE as a powerful internal watchdog agency.
Elon Musk faces backlash inside Donald Trump administration
Despite his prominent role, several senior officials have expressed concern about Musk's demeanor in high-level meetings. According to unnamed sources cited by Rolling Stone, cabinet members frequently describe Musk as "irritating" and difficult to work with. One official noted Musk's repeated attempts at humor, his dismissive tone, and his insistence on intellectual superiority, saying that interacting with him was akin to “listening to rusty nails on a chalkboard.�?br/>Others reportedly questioned his state of mind during meetings, suggesting he appeared “high,�?prompting internal discussions about potential drug use—claims strongly denied by Musk's legal team.
Musk denies drug use as White House officials raise concerns
Allegations surrounding Musk's behavior include suspected drug use, further aggravating White House officials. A report from The Wall Street Journal alleged that Musk had used substances such as LSD, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, though he has firmly denied these claims. Musk maintains that the only substance he uses is prescribed ketamine, commonly utilized to manage depression.
In response to the growing speculation, Musk’s attorney clarified that he undergoes regular and random drug testing through SpaceX and has never failed any test. Nonetheless, the perception of erratic conduct has led to internal jokes about making drug testing mandatory for all federal staff, including Musk.
Fallout from mass firings
Since taking over DOGE, Musk has overseen the termination of tens of thousands of federal employees. His controversial management style has drawn criticism from lawmakers and administration officials alike. His directive demanding all federal workers respond to an internal email asking, “What did you do last week?�?triggered further unrest and was seen by some as unnecessarily hostile and corporate in tone.
Conflict with senior administration officials
Tensions reached a peak when Musk publicly clashed with Peter Navarro, President Trump’s senior trade advisor. After Navarro downplayed Tesla’s significance by calling it merely a “car assembler,�?Musk retaliated by labeling Navarro a “moron�?on social media. This feud highlighted the growing disconnect between Musk and other influential figures within the administration.
Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been reportedly among the most vocal critics, allegedly referring to Musk as “Crazy Uncle Elon�?in private discussions.
Political contributions and strategic influence
Musk has also played a significant role in supporting Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign, reportedly spending approximately $290 million in political donations. His financial influence and proximity to power have amplified concerns among administration insiders who now question whether his behavior and policymaking style align with the broader goals of federal governance.
Calls for Musk’s dismissal intensify
Given the extent of internal dissatisfaction, there is growing speculation about Musk’s continued presence in the Trump administration. Some lawmakers are reportedly preparing legislative measures that could lead to his removal from DOGE within the next two months. While no official action has been taken as of yet, internal resistance and public controversies could accelerate efforts to curtail Musk’s authority.