President Donald Trump honored Elon Musk with a symbolic gold key to the White House on Friday, marking the end of Musk’s temporary role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The ceremony, held in the Oval Office, celebrated the conclusion of Musk’s 130-day term as a special government employee and highlighted the administration’s ongoing battle against bureaucratic waste.
Trump commended the billionaire entrepreneur for lending his expertise to the administration’s reform agenda.
“Today, it’s about a man named Elon, and he’s one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced. He stepped forward to put his very great talents into the service of our nation, and we appreciate it,” Trump said.
The president credited Musk with spearheading what he called one of the most impactful government efficiency efforts in recent memory.
“And just want to say that Elon has worked tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations. And you know the kinds of things that he’s found, and his people have found — he’s brought a group of very smart people in — and they found things that are pretty unbelievable,” Trump added.
Musk, sporting a visible black eye and wearing a shirt labeled “Dogefather,” stood beside Trump during the press conference.
Musk made it clear his departure from government service was not the end of DOGE’s mission.
“The DOGE team will only grow stronger over time. The DOGE influence will only grow stronger. It’s, I’d liken it to a sort of Buddhism. It’s like a way of life. So, it is permeating throughout the government,” Musk said.
He also offered an update on the fiscal results achieved during his tenure. “The calculations of the DOGE team thus far, in terms of an FY 25 to FY 26 delta, are over $160 billion, and that’s climbing. We expect… that number will probably go over $200 billion soon,” Musk noted.
Trump assured the public that the administration plans to make the financial cuts lasting through legislative action.
“We are totally committed to making the DOGE cuts permanent and stopping much more of the waste in the months to come,” Trump said.
“We want to get our great ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ finished and done. After that, we’re going to be — we put some of this into the bill, but most of it is going to come later. We’re going to have it [codified] by Congress.”
He predicted the savings could total “hundreds of billions of dollars.” Although Musk’s official position has ended, both he and Trump suggested his involvement in government affairs will continue.
“I’ll continue to be visiting here and be a friend and adviser to the president, and I look forward to times being back in this amazing room,” Musk remarked.
Trump echoed that sentiment, noting that Musk is “really not leaving; he’s going to be back and forth, I think. It’s his baby, and I think he’s going to be doing a lot of things.”
During the press briefing, Musk took aim at The New York Times for a recent article alleging concerning drug use during the campaign season.
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy questioned Musk about the claims, which included allegations of ketamine use and other substances.
“Is The New York Times — is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russiagate? Is that the same organization? I think it is,” Musk responded, turning to Trump, who confirmed, “It is.”
“I think the judge just ruled against New York Times for their lines about the Russiagate hoax, and they may have to give back their Pulitzer Prize. That New York Times. Let’s move on,” Trump said, signaling to end that line of questioning.
Musk also addressed speculation about the black eye he was sporting, referencing a widely circulated video of French First Lady Brigitte Macron shoving President Emmanuel Macron.
“Well, I wasn’t anywhere near France,” Musk joked, attributing the injury to playful horseplay with his son.
Later, Doocy asked Trump if he had any marital advice for the French first couple. “Make sure the door remains closed,” Trump quipped, then added, “That was … not good.”
“I spoke to [Macron], he’s fine, they’re fine, they’re two really good people, I know them very well,” Trump said. “I don’t know what that was all about, but I know them very well, and they’re fine.”
Watch the full press conference here:
Hes On Call as needed for DOGE
Thank you Musk and your team for showing the nation how to start downsizing, auditing and cleaning out the trash. It is very apparent now that there are definitely plenty of items to be dismantled and removed.