President Donald Trump has said he wants Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to stay on in his administration “as long as possible” 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 “horrible” but did not elaborate on the details of what was found.
“Elon is fantastic. He’s a patriot,” Trump told reporters, saying Musk can stay at the White House “as long as he’d like” and “as long as possible.”
“I like smart people, and he’s a smart person. I also like him, personally,” Trump said. “We’re in no rush. But there will be a point at which time Elon’s going to have to leave.”
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.
“I would. I think Elon’s great,” Trump said. “But he also has a company to run, or a number of companies to run.”
Trump said employees within his cabinet would take over DOGE’s work once Musk leaves his post, and added that DOGE found something “horrible.”
Earlier this week, Trump told reporters that Musk is “very talented” and that he has done a “good job.”
“I’d keep him as long as I can keep him,” Trump said. “He’s a very talented guy. You know, I love very smart people. He’s very smart. And he’s done a good job.”
