The Voice News: Elon Musk’s tenure in the Trump administration officially ended with a news conference in the Oval Office, where both Musk and President Donald Trump defended the achievements of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and promised its work would continue—even without Musk’s direct involvement.
President Trump emphasized that Musk is “not really leaving” and predicted he would continue to be “back and forth” to the White House. “It’s his baby,” Trump said, referring to Musk’s efforts with Doge, an advisory body focused on cutting government costs, saving taxpayer money, and reducing the national debt, which currently stands at $36 trillion.
Musk’s departure comes 130 days after Trump resumed office, the maximum time allowed under Musk’s status as a “special government employee.” Doge, unlike a formal government agency, functions as an advisory panel with the goal of streamlining government spending.
Despite its ambitious goals, Musk’s involvement with Doge has been controversial. The department’s initiatives led to mass layoffs across federal agencies and the elimination of many programs run by USAID, the main U.S. foreign aid organization. These moves also triggered protests against Musk’s companies, particularly Tesla, which suffered a sharp decline in sales.
Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Musk for “tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations.” He added that the mindset of federal officials has shifted due to Doge’s efforts to detect fraud and “slash waste.”
According to Doge’s website, the department has saved the government $175 billion as of May 29. However, a BBC analysis from late April found only $61.5 billion of these savings itemized, with documentation available for about $32.5 billion.
“He’s not really leaving,” Trump reiterated. “He’s going to be back and forth… I think he’s going to be doing a lot of things.”
Musk confirmed that Doge will continue its “relentless” pursuit of $1 trillion in budget reductions.
The Oval Office meeting came days after a CBS interview in which Musk expressed disappointment with Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful” bill, which includes multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks and promises increased defense spending.
While Musk previously criticized the bill for undermining Doge’s work, he chose not to address it during the press conference. Trump, meanwhile, defended the legislation, calling it “unbelievable” and praising the “amazing things” it accomplishes. “But there are two things I’d like to see,” Trump said. “Maybe cut a little bit more. I’d like to see a bigger cut in taxes.”
The news conference also took unexpected turns. When asked about a recent New York Times report alleging heavy drug use by Musk during Trump’s 2024 campaign, Musk cut off the reporter before the question was completed. He then pointed to a judge’s decision allowing Trump to proceed with a defamation lawsuit against the Washington Post and New York Times over their reporting on alleged Russia ties during Trump’s 2016 campaign.
“That New York Times?” Musk asked dismissively. “Let’s move on.”
Musk was also questioned about a visible bruise under his eye. He joked that he “wasn’t anywhere near France,” referring to the recent public spat involving French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. Musk explained the injury by saying he had asked his five-year-old son, X Æ A-12 (known as X), to punch him in the face.In Oval Office Farewell, Trump Says Elon Musk Is ‘Not Really Leaving’
By Bernd Debusmann Jr | BBC News, White House
Elon Musk’s tenure in the Trump administration officially ended with a news conference in the Oval Office, where both Musk and President Donald Trump defended the achievements of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and promised its work would continue—even without Musk’s direct involvement.
President Trump emphasized that Musk is “not really leaving” and predicted he would continue to be “back and forth” to the White House. “It’s his baby,” Trump said, referring to Musk’s efforts with Doge, an advisory body focused on cutting government costs, saving taxpayer money, and reducing the national debt, which currently stands at $36 trillion.
Musk’s departure comes 130 days after Trump resumed office, the maximum time allowed under Musk’s status as a “special government employee.” Doge, unlike a formal government agency, functions as an advisory panel with the goal of streamlining government spending.
Despite its ambitious goals, Musk’s involvement with Doge has been controversial. The department’s initiatives led to mass layoffs across federal agencies and the elimination of many programs run by USAID, the main U.S. foreign aid organization. These moves also triggered protests against Musk’s companies, particularly Tesla, which suffered a sharp decline in sales.
Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Musk for “tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations.” He added that the mindset of federal officials has shifted due to Doge’s efforts to detect fraud and “slash waste.”
According to Doge’s website, the department has saved the government $175 billion as of May 29. However, a BBC analysis from late April found only $61.5 billion of these savings itemized, with documentation available for about $32.5 billion.
“He’s not really leaving,” Trump reiterated. “He’s going to be back and forth… I think he’s going to be doing a lot of things.”
Musk confirmed that Doge will continue its “relentless” pursuit of $1 trillion in budget reductions.
The Oval Office meeting came days after a CBS interview in which Musk expressed disappointment with Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful” bill, which includes multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks and promises increased defense spending.
While Musk previously criticized the bill for undermining Doge’s work, he chose not to address it during the press conference. Trump, meanwhile, defended the legislation, calling it “unbelievable” and praising the “amazing things” it accomplishes. “But there are two things I’d like to see,” Trump said. “Maybe cut a little bit more. I’d like to see a bigger cut in taxes.”
The news conference also took unexpected turns. When asked about a recent New York Times report alleging heavy drug use by Musk during Trump’s 2024 campaign, Musk cut off the reporter before the question was completed. He then pointed to a judge’s decision allowing Trump to proceed with a defamation lawsuit against the Washington Post and New York Times over their reporting on alleged Russia ties during Trump’s 2016 campaign.
“That New York Times?” Musk asked dismissively. “Let’s move on.”
Musk was also questioned about a visible bruise under his eye. He joked that he “wasn’t anywhere near France,” referring to the recent public spat involving French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. Musk explained the injury by saying he had asked his five-year-old son, X Æ A-12 (known as X), to punch him in the face.