Hill Republicans Quietly Celebrate News of Musk Exiting Trump Admin.

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On Capitol Hill, a prevailing sentiment echoed among Republicans of every faction: Finally.

The news on Wednesday—that billionaire Elon Musk was likely to step back from his close relationship with President Donald Trump in the near future—was met with relief by senior GOP aides. They viewed Musk, often seen as Trump’s favorite source of chaos, as an obstacle to advancing their conservative goals. There were hints that Musk might not fully exit the administration, but rather reduce his public role. This ambiguity is characteristic of a President who resists being cornered or granting his critics any form of validation.

Musk, the head of Tesla who acquired Twitter and has grand aspirations for Mars colonization, has become a significant distraction and a source of controversy for a Republican establishment that should ideally be unified, controlling both the House and Senate alongside the presidency. His frequent presence at the White House has been a source of irritation for Cabinet members and department heads alike, exemplifying the perceived amateurism and self-serving nature of Trump’s circle. Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency have been racing through Washington, making rapid cuts to programs and jobs in a manner that even some small-government conservatives consider excessive and reckless, while simultaneously profiting immensely from government contracts for his businesses.

The expectation of Musk’s withdrawal, first reported by Politico, surfaced just a day after disappointing results for Republicans in special elections in Florida and Wisconsin. These early assessments of the second Trump administration revealed Republicans struggling in traditionally supportive regions, culminating in a failed state Supreme Court race that Musk effectively made his personal mission. This particular race, typically decided by a narrow margin, saw the liberal candidate triumph by a significant 10-point lead, marking a clear setback.

“A day late and a dollar short,” one aide on the Hill texted, linking to the Politico article. “Glad we made the WI-SC race all about Elon.” The sarcasm was unmistakable.

Another aide shared a Lizzo lyric: “About damn time.”

The report received immediate pushback, particularly from Trump’s defenders. The argument went along these lines: Yes, Musk has negatively impacted the GOP image and his involvement in Wisconsin was a clear failure, but his celebrity aligns well with Trump’s own self-image. Furthermore, Musk, as the richest person in the world, remains a valuable asset financially.

The White House officially dismissed the report as “garbage,” yet there have been indications that Musk’s days are numbered, including remarks from Trump suggesting Musk would eventually need to return to the private sector.

“At some point, Elon’s going to want to go back to his company,” Trump commented on Monday.

Republicans on the Hill have tolerated Musk largely because of his influence over the President, who has invited him to Cabinet meetings, bill signings, and even his joint address to Congress. Musk’s presence has overshadowed others in Trump’s Cabinet, and tensions within the inner circle have spilled into public view as those responsible for governance have grown frustrated with directives from Trump’s billionaire ally. Lawmakers have voiced concerns about being blindsided by sudden cuts and changes, leaving them vulnerable back in their districts. Musk and his team have stormed into various departments, demanding access to sensitive data to identify waste, fraud, and abuse—often making cuts and announcing reductions without fully grasping the existing situations.

The initial weeks of Musk’s governmental campaign have led to reports of veterans losing their jobs, entire agencies being shut down—potentially unconstitutional, according to court rulings—and benefits being jeopardized. This has resulted in a continuous stream of negative headlines, although White House aides have attempted to downplay these issues, knowing Musk has invested over a quarter of a billion dollars in Trump’s previous campaign and has pledged $100 million for future efforts.

Lawmakers have tried to inform the White House about mounting problems constituents face, but they’ve been cautious not to appear anti-Musk. While Trump supporters might claim they desire government cuts, they are less enthusiastic when the implications become clear—especially as farm subsidies come under threat, V.A. clinics face closure, and popular programs in rural schools are endangered. In essence, local consequences could manifest into a broader national crisis.

The election results on Tuesday served as an early warning sign about these troubles and their ramifications. Musk made the Wisconsin race a personal battleground, claiming that the fate of Western civilization was at stake. He campaigned in the state over the weekend for a Trump-endorsed candidate, even distributing checks to voters. Wisconsin has a history of political outsiders making their mark—it has long been a proving ground for groups funded by the Koch brothers—but the enthusiasm among Democrats to reject Musk’s influence was undeniable.

In Florida, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the election outcomes on Wednesday, attributing the rescue of two races in solid MAGA territory to Trump. While DeSantis has been openly critical of one of the nominees, he acknowledged that this trajectory is not favorable for the GOP.

As White House aides scrambled to manage the narrative around these setbacks, the simplest solution emerged: distance from Musk. Given the nature of his role, Musk was always expected to be a temporary fixture, likely stepping away in May. His role with DOGE remained ancillary while he continued to manage his companies and pursue space ventures. Accelerating his departure, or at least promoting his retreat from the spotlight, could benefit Trump.