President Donald Trump officially thanks Elon Musk for his work with the White House, as the billionaire ends his tenure leading the government efficiency department DOGE.
A Diplomatic Departure
During a press conference in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump formally thanked Elon Musk for his contributions as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), marking the end of Musk’s official role in the White House. “He’s one of the greatest business leaders in the world,” said Trump, praising the Tesla and SpaceX CEO for a “fantastic job.” Trump confirmed that many members of DOGE will remain in the administration and noted that Musk “will still drop by Washington.” Musk reassured reporters that he will continue to act as a “friend and advisor” to the president. According to The New York Times, both men sought to downplay any signs of disagreement between them.
Musk emphasized that his departure does not signify the end of DOGE’s mission, reiterating his belief that the department will eventually help save the U.S. budget a staggering $1 trillion. Addressing criticisms that his government role has only been praised by conservatives, Trump defended Musk’s record, stating, “Elon saved a lot of lives” by providing Ukraine with Starlink satellite internet. He also praised Musk’s accomplishments, saying his “life has been amazing” and describing a SpaceX rocket docking maneuver as “so spectacular, it looked like a movie effect.”
A Broader Stage for Controversy
Although the press event was intended to focus on Musk’s farewell, it quickly shifted to broader political topics. Trump responded to questions on issues ranging from the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to budget legislation, conflicts with Harvard, and U.S.–China trade tensions. Reiterating his stance on immigration, Trump claimed that countries around the world are “emptying psychiatric hospitals” and sending patients to the U.S., calling many immigrants “cold, hardened criminals.”
Musk, unafraid to weigh in, offered a stark commentary: “The fundamental flaw of the West is empathy for criminals.” He also criticized U.S. courts attempting to limit Trump’s actions, claiming they are acting “unconstitutionally.” While Musk exits his official position, his presence in U.S. politics and his alignment with Trump’s rhetoric appear far from over.