X factor: The sharp rise and fall of Elon Musk as a political figure

His short but eventful stint in politics may have created a cautionary model for other billionaires

- Atanu Biswas is professor of statistics at Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.

Elon Musk has officially resigned from the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Although his role was only temporary and departure was not surprising, it follows his criticism of President Donald Trump's tax bill. The 'Big Beautiful Bill' would not improve America's finances, he said, and will undermine his efforts to cut back on unnecessary government spending. Was there a clear divide between Trump and Musk?

Only seven months ago, at his victory speech on 6 November, Trump spent four minutes praising Musk. "A star is born—Elon!" said Trump. Musk had invested nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in Trump's campaign, which could explain his influence on the Trump administration. It was possibly the most astute investment Musk ever made.

He oversaw Trump's DOGE and also shaped a far-right discourse both domestically and internationally. Musk attempted to involve himself in several European political issues—in Germany and the UK especially. In February, Time magazine portrayed Musk as "President Musk." Its cover illustration showed him seated at the Resolute Desk in the White House. However, it is evident that Musk has now drifted to the margins of Trump's world. "Elon is from South Africa—I don't want to get Elon involved," Trump told his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, during a discussion at the White House recently.