US President Donald Trump said Thursday that “patriot” Elon Musk could remain in his role “as long as possible” amid reports that the Tesla CEO will soon step down from his position at DOGE. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had uncovered something “horrible” and “incredible.” However, he did not provide further details.
In its latest update, DOGE lauded Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E Sonderling in “cancelling $25M in wasteful DEI grants for $15M in savings”. Among the cancelled grants were $265K for Queens College in New York to research “why BIPOC teens read Japanese comic books”, $250K to erect “LGBTQ+ historical markers across Ohio”, $140K for the University of South Carolina to create “safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals in libraries”, $400K for the University of Tennessee to study “LGBTQ+ library users’ metadata”, $105K to California Association of Museums to address “systemic racism in museums”, $6.7M for the California State Library to “enhance equitable library programs”, and $1.5M to Connecticut State Library system to “integrate social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion into their daily work”.
Trump on DOGE’s future
Trump reiterated his admiration for Musk and added that he wanted him to stay on his team as long as possible. “Elon is fantastic. He’s a patriot,” he said, adding, “I like smart people, and he’s a smart person. I also like him, personally.”
However, the president acknowledged that Musk’s tenure would eventually come to an end due to his business commitments. “We’re in no rush. But there will be a point at which time Elon’s going to have to leave,” he said aboard the aeroplane as reported by Fox News.
Musk, who is heading DOGE, was appointed as a “special government employee” when Trump returned to the White House. Under federal rules, special government employees (SGEs) can serve no more than 130 days within a 365-day period. Based on Trump’s inauguration date, Musk’s tenure would expire on May 30 unless extended. The SGE designation, established in 1962, allows experts to serve the government temporarily while maintaining private-sector roles.
Will Musk take on a different role?
Trump also hinted at appointing Musk to another position to keep him in the administration longer. “I would. I think Elon’s great,” he said, while adding, “But he also has a company to run, or a number of companies to run.”
Even after Musk’s departure, Trump assured that DOGE’s work would continue under his cabinet secretaries. While he suggested Musk’s exit could happen within months, he did not specify a timeline.
Reports of Musk’s Exit Dismissed as “Garbage”
Earlier, Politico reported that President Donald Trump had informed his inner circle and some Cabinet members that Musk would soon step back from DOGE to focus on his businesses. The report cited concerns over Musk’s “unpredictability” and potential to become a “political liability”. However, the White House strongly denied these claims.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the “scoop is garbage”, adding, “Elon Musk and President Trump have both publicly stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete.”
Musk, too, labelled it as “fake news”. Musk also hinted at a possibly longer tenure at DOGE recently. In an interview with Fox Business Network’s Larry Kudlow, Musk suggested he might extend his service for another year.
