Loose cannon Musk to leave Trump's team

ELON Musk is set to withdraw from his role in the Trump administration, it has been claimed, as the backlash to his government influence grows.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

The world's richest man is set to take a step back in the coming weeks to concentrate on his businesses, including car company Tesla.

Consumers have punished Musk, with Tesla sales down 13% at the start of this year.

Senior officials confirmed the billionaire and Donald Trump have mutually decided it is time for the entrepreneur to leave his role heading the Department of Government Efficiency.

Frustration is growing in the administration over Musk's erratic behaviour, beginning on Trump's inauguration day in January, when he made a gesture similar to a Nazi salute.