Trump admits ‘Elon’s really not leaving’ during Doge press conference

Elon Musk remains influential in the government despite the end of his DOGE role.

: Donald Trump acknowledged that Elon Musk is not truly leaving his influence over the US government, despite ostensibly stepping down from DOGE. During a press conference, Musk and Trump hinted that Musk's governmental impact continues beyond his official role. Musk, a Special Government Employee, is bound by a legal limit of 130 workdays annually, but this limitation does not hinder his informal influence. The situation highlights the symbolic nature of Musk's exit, with his installed proteges remaining influential in their positions.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk held a joint press conference on May 30, 2025, to mark the end of Musk’s official tenure as a special government employee leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Although Musk had reached the legal cap of 130 workdays per year in that role, Trump stated, “Elon’s really not leaving”, implying Musk would continue to play an informal but influential role in the administration.

Trump praised Musk’s efforts, claiming DOGE helped save the government $175 billion by cutting inefficiencies. However, outside experts and watchdog groups have questioned the legitimacy of those numbers, suggesting that the calculations may lack transparency and could overstate actual savings.

Musk attended the event with a visible black eye, which he said was the result of his 5-year-old son punching him in the face at his own request. He used the occasion to brush off recent media reports alleging past drug use, accusing The New York Times and other outlets of conducting a smear campaign.

Though Musk is no longer officially in charge, many of his appointees remain embedded in various federal departments. Observers say this ensures that his reform agenda will continue to influence government policy even in his absence from the formal post.

The press conference ended with Trump presenting Musk a golden key as a symbolic gesture, celebrating his “revolutionary” impact on governance. Musk declared that DOGE was not a one-time project but a lasting framework for how government should function.

Sources: The Guardian, WIRED, BBC News, The Washington Post

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