Elon Musk has concluded his tenure as a special government employee in Washington, marked by controversy and challenges, including clashes with cabinet secretaries and unfulfilled promises to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget. On Friday, President Trump hosted a send-off for Musk in the Oval Office, signaling continued support for the billionaire.
Musk, who was dressed in black and appeared with a black eye, received a golden key from the president during a joint news conference. Trump characterized Musk as a victim of unfair scrutiny, stating, “He had to go through the slings and the arrows, which is a shame.” Musk's company, Tesla, has faced protests and declining stock prices amid his increasing involvement in right-wing politics.
Initially, Musk and Trump had a rocky relationship, with Musk previously advising Trump against running for office. However, their alliance solidified as Musk provided significant campaign donations, facilitating Trump's return to the presidency. Musk's attempts to streamline government operations through his Department of Government Efficiency did not achieve the promised budget cuts, and he later acknowledged the complexity of the task.
Despite his departure from government, both Musk and Trump expressed confidence that DOGE, Musk’s initiative for budget savings, will continue. Trump noted that Musk had appointed talented individuals within various agencies, suggesting that Musk would remain involved in government affairs. Musk reaffirmed his commitment to finding $1 trillion in savings, despite past inaccuracies in reporting such figures.
During the news conference, Musk sidestepped questions regarding allegations of increased drug use, instead questioning the credibility of the reporting source. He also explained a black eye he sustained while playfully engaging with his son.
While the event was intended to honor Musk, he was not the primary focus, with media attention largely directed at Trump. Musk occasionally appeared distracted, though he did voice concerns about judicial overreach, criticizing federal judges for what he described as “immense judicial overreach that is constitutional.”