In a high-flying press session aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump made it clear, Elon Musk isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Responding to questions about Musk’s future as a “special government employee,” Trump praised the tech mogul’s intelligence, patriotism, and ongoing role in a powerful federal initiative known as DOGE.
“Elon Is Fantastic”: Trump Doubles Down on Musk’s Government Role
During Thursday’s chat with reporters, Trump addressed speculation that Musk may soon be stepping down from his advisory role. These rumors gained traction following a Politico report that claimed internal sources had cited Musk’s “unpredictability” and described him as a potential “political liability.”
But Trump was quick to shut down the noise. “Elon is fantastic. He’s a patriot,” the president asserted. He added Musk could stay at the White House “as long as he’d like” and confirmed, I personally want him to stay as long as possible.
Smart, Capable—and Needed, Says Trump
Trump didn’t hold back his admiration for Musk’s intellect and contributions. “I like smart people, and he’s a smart person. I also like him, personally,” he said, showing no urgency to rush Musk out of the administration. “We’re in no rush. But there will be a point at which time Elon’s going to have to leave.”
This timeline, however, may be dictated by law rather than presidential preference. Federal rules allow “special government employees” to serve for “no more than 130 days in a 365-day period,” per the Office of Government Ethics. Musk’s term, which began on Inauguration Day, runs through May 30, a date rapidly approaching.
Could Musk Get a New Role?
When asked if Trump would consider transitioning Musk into another position to retain his services, the president didn’t hesitate.
“I would. I think Elon’s great,” Trump said.
“But he also has a company to run, or a number of companies to run.”
That acknowledgment reflects the balancing act Musk has been performing: juggling Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures while shaping national strategy through DOGE.
DOGE Makes “Horrible” Discovery—But No Details Yet
In one of the most cryptic moments of the conversation, Trump dropped a bombshell about DOGE’s recent activity. He confirmed that cabinet “secretaries” will absorb Musk’s responsibilities once he steps away. Then came a teaser.
That work, Trump said, uncovered something both “horrible” and “incredible”, though he left reporters hanging without offering specifics.
From Executive Order to Impactful Results
Musk’s role officially launched after Trump signed an executive order to create DOGE on January 20. The position, dating back to 1962, was specifically designed for short-term federal initiatives that demand elite, temporary talent.
Though Trump offered no exact exit date, he suggested it may still be a while. “It could be as long as a few months,” he said when pressed.
And the admiration didn’t stop there. “I’d keep him as long as I can keep him,” Trump told reporters earlier in the week. “He’s a very talented guy. You know, I love very smart people. He’s very smart. And he’s done a good job.”
The Future of DOGE—and Musk’s Legacy
Finally, Trump hinted that Musk’s influence may extend well beyond his official term. He said that many of Musk’s DOGE team members could transition into full-time roles within various federal agencies, a move that would keep his vision alive even after his departure.
In short, the president isn’t just retaining Elon Musk for now, he’s embedding his team into the government’s future.
