President Donald Trump has stopped mentioning Elon Musk on social media, signalling a clear step back from the tech billionaire who once played a central role in Trump’s push to reduce federal spending.
According to a Politico analysis, Trump regularly posted about Musk on Truth Social—up to four times a week—in February and March. But since April, there hasn’t been a single mention. The same goes for Musk, who previously mentioned Trump almost daily on X (formerly Twitter), but has now largely gone silent.
What Happened to the Musk-Trump Alliance?
Musk, once praised for leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a project launched to fire federal workers and shut down agencies—has stepped away from politics. His popularity dropped sharply in public opinion polls, especially after controversial moments like the Wisconsin Supreme Court race.
One anonymous Republican strategist told Politico:
“He’s finished, done, gone. He polls terribly. People hate him. It’s offensive when he tries to act like one of them.”
Even the White House’s official channels and senior advisers have stopped referencing Musk in recent weeks.
Musk Admits: “It’s Been Intense”
In April, Musk said he would return focus to his businesses like Tesla, especially after the company reported disappointing earnings.
“It’s just been a very intense 100 days. In the beginning, I was in D.C. almost seven days a week,” Musk said.
“Now, we’re getting into a rhythm, and I don’t need to spend as much time here.”
Musk’s time as a special government employee was capped at 130 days, making his departure seem like a natural end to a short-term political experiment.
Republicans Recalibrate Their Strategy
Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia acknowledged that the Musk-led budget cuts may have gone too far:
“We got too close to the fence. We mowed too far,” he said. “We just adjust. That’s the process that’s going on.”
Also telling is the fact that Trump’s campaign has stopped using Musk’s name in fundraising emails. Until March, Musk was mentioned frequently to fire up supporters. Since then, his name has appeared in just one message, referencing a cap he wore labeled “Gulf of America.”
Democrats Still Targeting Musk Ahead of Midterms
Even though Musk has stepped back, Democrats are still using him as a symbol of Republican priorities. They argue that his presence proves the GOP is focused on helping the ultra-wealthy, not regular Americans.
Viet Shelton, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said:
“Elon is, and forever will be, a reminder that House Republicans don’t work for the American people. They work for billionaires.”
Rep. Lori Trahan of Massachusetts, co-chair of House Democrats’ messaging team, added:
“As long as he’s cutting programs that families depend on, we’ll continue making him a central figure. But eventually, he’ll become a liability for Trump—and they’ll cut ties.”