President Trump said on Monday that he expects Elon Musk will eventually leave his government role and return to managing his companies, Tesla and SpaceX, once he has accomplished his objectives in the federal government.
A reporter pointed out that Musk, who serves as a special government employee, is limited to working 130 days in his government role. When asked if Trump wanted Musk to stay longer, Trump stated that he believes Musk will eventually go back to his companies.
“I think he’s amazing, but I also think he’s got a big company to run. At some point, he’s going to be going back. He wants to,” Trump said. “I’d keep him as long as I can keep him. He’s a very talented guy.”
Trump also mentioned that Musk has been treated unfairly in the public eye, describing it as “terrible.” He believes Musk will eventually return to his business interests, as that is where his focus will likely shift.
Musk has been working on reforming the federal government through his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He has faced criticism for his approach, particularly regarding his push for cost-cutting measures. Despite this, both the White House and Trump have supported Musk’s efforts.
“A lot of people are buying Teslas, I think. And I hope they are,” Trump said during the briefing.
When asked about the future of DOGE once Musk steps down, Trump explained that many Cabinet secretaries have already learned a great deal from Musk’s team. He suggested that while some may try to keep those working on DOGE, the work will eventually transition back to the secretaries.
“A lot of these people working with DOGE are these secretaries, the heads of the various agencies, and they’ve learned a lot and they’re dealing with the DOGE people. I think some of them may try to keep the DOGE people with them, but at a certain point, it will end,” Trump said. “There will be a point at which the secretaries will be able to do this work.”
In a recent interview with Fox News’s “Special Report” with Bret Baier, Musk discussed the 130-day limit for special government employees. He expressed confidence in being able to meet his goals of cutting waste within that time frame.
Musk also mentioned that he is approaching the government overhaul with care and consideration, despite facing criticism over some of his past comments and emails sent to federal workers.
