Tesla, a big source of Musk’s wealth, bore the brunt of the public anger against him and his policies. Tesla’s stock dropped 33% since inauguration. The EV maker’s sales plummeted.

As a special government employee, Mr Musk was limited to 130 days in his role. In April, he dismissed reports suggesting he would leave his position in the coming months, calling the rumours "fake news".

President Donald Trump’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday served as a gushing farewell to Elon Musk as the tech billionaire makes a hasty retreat from Washington. Despite having his bags packed to get out of town,