In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk will continue to be involved with the White House, despite officially stepping down from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This revelation came during a press conference held in the Oval Office on May 30, 2025, where Trump and Musk appeared together to mark the end of Musk’s 130-day tenure as a special government employee.
Trump stated, “Elon is really not leaving. He’s going to be back and forth. I think I have a feeling it’s his baby, and I think he’s going to be doing a lot of things.” Musk echoed this sentiment, saying, “This is not the end of DOGE but really the beginning. I hope to continue to provide advice whenever the president would like.”
During the event, Trump praised Musk as “one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced” and presented him with a gold-plated key emblazoned with the White House seal, a token he reserves for “very special people.”
Musk’s tenure at DOGE was marked by aggressive cost-cutting measures aimed at reducing federal spending. Although the initiative fell short of its $1 trillion savings goal, achieving approximately $175 billion in cuts, it led to significant restructuring within various government agencies.
Despite stepping down from his official role, Musk’s continued involvement with the White House suggests an ongoing influence on federal efficiency initiatives. His advisory capacity will likely shape future policies aimed at streamlining government operations.
The partnership between Trump and Musk, though occasionally strained, remains a significant force in the current administration’s approach to governance and innovation. As Musk transitions back to his roles in the private sector, his advisory presence in the White House is expected to persist, reflecting the enduring collaboration between the two figures.