Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has stated that he may continue to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency throughout the remainder of President Donald Trump’s second term, despite growing calls for him to distance himself from politics.

Musk announced plans to scale back his involvement with DOGE to approximately one or two days per week, starting next month, stating that this would be “for as long as the President wishes me to do so, and as long as it remains beneficial.”

The executive’s comments were made during Tesla’s quarterly earnings call, which took place roughly an hour and a half after the company acknowledged in a shareholder letter that “political sentiment” is negatively impacting sales. This, combined with increased competition and the effects of Trump’s tariffs, has contributed to Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration, resulting in a 71% decline in profit compared to the same quarter last year, as seen in the latest financial reports.

Musk’s remarks come just a few days after one of Tesla’s key supporters on Wall Street expressed concern that the company is in a “code red” situation, emphasizing the need for Musk to reduce his involvement in government work, as recently reported.

The efforts Musk has made with DOGE, including downsizing government agencies and, in his words, “feeding one into the wood chipper,” have sparked global protests against him and Tesla.

On Tuesday’s call, Musk attempted to shift the blame for the protests, claiming they were “paid for,” without providing any evidence to support this assertion. He further stated that the protesters are “demonstrating because they’re receiving fraudulent funds, or are the recipients of waste,” again without presenting any proof or justification for this claim.

Musk mentioned that the primary work of establishing DOGE is now complete, which would allow him to reduce his involvement. As a “special government employee,” he is technically limited to working 130 days within any 365-day period. The White House has not responded to requests for comment on this matter.