President Donald Trump reportedly expressed his hope that Elon Musk will remain in his administration “as long as possible,” amidst speculation about Musk’s potential departure.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump praised Musk as “fantastic” and a “patriot,” while addressing the work being done by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) regarding the audit of federal spending.
Trump emphasized Musk’s positive contributions and lamented the challenges faced by the billionaire’s electric car company, calling it a “great product.”
He noted their working relationship, which deepened after Musk endorsed him, describing it as a strong endorsement that helped solidify their connection.
In light of ongoing efforts to identify fraud and waste in federal spending, Trump also revealed that DOGE had uncovered a “horrible” finding, although he withheld specific details, promising to disclose more information soon.
He noted that significant sums—potentially hundreds of millions of dollars—had been identified as fraud or abuse, indicating that investigations are ongoing.
While Trump did not provide a specific timeline for Musk’s exit, he anticipated that it might occur in a few months as Musk returns to focusing on his various companies.
Furthermore, Trump expressed openness to appointing Musk to a permanent position in the administration, recognizing his intelligence and capabilities while acknowledging Musk’s commitments to his businesses.
The conversation comes after Politico reported that Trump had informed his inner circle about Musk’s potential exit soon and suggested that DOGE might assume a more subdued role.
However, White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have countered these claims, asserting that Musk remains a close advisor and his role has always been intended to be temporary.
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