Trump says Elon Musk DOGE will cease to exist at some point
Trump confirms Elon Musk government role is temporary
President Donald Trump acknowledged on Monday that Elon Musk’s time in the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would eventually come to an end, as the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s special government appointment is set to last only 130 days.
Trump expressed his appreciation for Musk’s contributions to the department, noting his leadership skills and innovative approach. However, the president recognized that Musk’s primary commitment is to his companies, and that at some point, he will return to his business ventures, reports CNN.
“He’s got a big company to run, and so at some point, he’s going to be going back,” Trump said. “I’d keep him as long as I can keep him. He’s a very talented guy, you know, I love very smart people, and he’s very smart, and he’s done a good job.”
Shift Toward Self-Sufficiency in Federal Agencies
When questioned about the future of DOGE after Musk’s departure, Trump suggested that federal agency heads have gained valuable experience and would be capable of managing their departments without Musk’s direct involvement.
Trump emphasized that as time goes on, secretaries will be able to perform the necessary work with greater precision and efficiency. “At a certain point, I think it will end,” Trump said. “There’ll be a point at which the secretaries will be able to do this work and do it very, you know, with the scalpel, and that’s what we want.”
Context and Limitations of Musk's Role
Before winning the presidency, Trump announced that Musk would lead DOGE, a department designed to dismantle government bureaucracy, reduce excessive regulations, cut wasteful spending, and restructure federal agencies. However, in early March 2025, Trump limited Musk’s authority, particularly in personnel decisions. While Musk could offer recommendations, he no longer had the power to make unilateral staffing choices.
This shift highlights Trump’s ongoing balancing act: while Musk’s expertise is valued, the ultimate goal is for federal agencies to be able to operate independently and effectively. As Musk’s time in DOGE nears its end, federal agencies may need to fully take on their responsibilities.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has announced that a deal between TikTok and potential buyers must be struck by April 5, or the app will face a possible U.S. ban.
