Elon Musk biographer believes billionaire is 'frustrated' as he exits DOGE

Walter Isaacson, author of the biography "Elon Musk," believes the SpaceX and Tesla mogul is leaving deeply "frustrated" by the limits of Washington.

"Whether it's him taking over Twitter or dealing with Tesla's crisis or SpaceX, you see that all-in intensity," Isaacson said. "Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. But he's all-in."

According to Isaacson, that mindset ultimately clashed with the limitations of government. 

"You can't do that in government," he said. "Because he doesn't own the federal government."

The comments have sparked speculation of a growing divide between Musk and Trump, who had previously aligned in their push to reduce government waste.

Isaacson says the criticism wasn't personal but aimed at the broader system. 

"He is frustrated that even the Republicans in the House and the Senate have been captured by Washington interests," he said.

"As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending," Musk posted on Wednesday. 

"The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government."