President Donald Trump has said he wants Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to stay on in his administration ā€œas long as possibleā€ while speaking with reporters Thursday.

According to Fox News, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has uncovered something ā€œhorribleā€ but did not elaborate on the details of what was found.

ā€œElon is fantastic. He’s a patriot,ā€ Trump told reporters, saying Musk can stay at the White House ā€œas long as he’d likeā€ and ā€œas long as possible.ā€

ā€œI like smart people, and he’s a smart person. I also like him, personally,ā€ Trump said. ā€œWe’re in no rush. But there will be a point at which time Elon’s going to have to leave.ā€

According to the Office of Government Ethics, special government employees are only permitted to work for the federal government for no more 130 days in a 365-day period. Musk’s time as a special government employee is due to expire on May 30.

Trump added it was possible to keep Musk by appointing the world’s richest man to a different post when asked by a reporter if he would find something else for Musk to work on.

ā€œI would. I think Elon’s great,ā€ Trump said. ā€œBut he also has a company to run, or a number of companies to run.ā€

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Trump said employees within his cabinet would take over DOGE’s work once Musk leaves his post, and added that DOGE found something ā€œhorrible.ā€

Earlier this week, Trump told reporters that Musk is ā€œvery talentedā€ and that he has done a ā€œgood job.ā€

ā€œI’d keep him as long as I can keep him,ā€ Trump said. ā€œHe’s a very talented guy. You know, I love very smart people. He’s very smart. And he’s done a good job.ā€