Elon Musk's three unhinged moves before quitting the White House

Billionaire was once a constant figure in Donald Trump's White House but away from Washington D.C. - just as turbulence hits their relationship.

It was only weeks ago that Musk stood proudly alongside the Republican president in the Oval Office, justifying his meme-referencing Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But a remarkable reversal of fortunes at Tesla forced the world's richest man to step back from his entrenched role at the White House.

Tesla sales have collapsed across the globe amid a fierce backlash against Musk after he alienated left-wing customers following his pivot toward supporting .

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Share holders demanded Musk limit his time at DOGE despite the billionaire voicing his strong support for slashing what he brands as wasteful government spending, although critics have argued he has gone too far with his cuts and affected vital programmes for millions of Americans.

But the move could prove advantageous for Trump after the eccentric billionaire turned out to be an unwelcome distraction for the White House.

Indeed, Musk put himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons on January 20 when he made a salute during Trump's inauguration that was compared to ones performed by Nazis.

His high-profile appearances in the White House also saw Trump critics brand him the true power in the White House.

But it is perhaps his DOGE platform that has caused the most controversy after his "tech support" team tore through Washington by cutting through the federal workforce at great speed, including education.

These elements have led Musk to become a loathed figure for many in America as well as being a lightning rod for attacks from Democrat detractors. Dr Thomas Gift, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University College London School of Public Policy, told The it was inevitable Musk and the US President would have a faltering working relationship.

"Elon Musk and are two of the world's most towering egos," said Dr Gift. "So it was only a matter of time until their relationship hit turbulence.

"While Musk continues to be a cheerleader for the Trump administration, his high-profile split with the administration over tariffs marks a clear fracture.

Additionally, DOGE has obviously become one of the most politically radioactive elements of the Trump White House, making Musk's decision to step back from his role seem like a mutually convenient move."

As Mr Musk exits the White House, a chaotic tone has been set for the Trump Administration with confusion about the application of tariffs on virtually every country on earth, a faltering Ukraine-Russia peace deal and plummeting approval ratings for Mr Trump.