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Trump, Musk Relationship Works for Both Sides: Max Chafkin
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4:47Now PlayingBloomberg's Max Chafkin reacts to comments in the oval office from Elon Musk and President Trump as they wrap up Musk's tenure in Washington.
Elon Musk said he will continue to advise President Donald Trump even after stepping away from the Department of Government Efficiency effort he has spearheaded.
“I expect to remain a friend and an adviser, and hopefully, if there’s anything the president wants me to do, I’m at the president’s service,” Musk, the chief executive officer of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, said alongside Trump during a press conference Friday at the White House. “This is not the end of DOGE, but really the beginning.”
The comments raise questions over the extent of Musk’s plans to pull back from Washington and return to running his business empire. As the head of DOGE, Musk’s efforts to slash spending and cut government jobs has drawn pushback from federal workers and Democratic lawmakers as well as a consumer backlash to his business interests.
Musk’s divided attention has rattled investors and Wall Street analysts who underestimated the damage being done to Tesla’s brand around the world. As discontent grew over his focus, the billionaire vowed to pull back “significantly” from his government work to devote more time to Tesla as it nears the critical launch of robotaxi service.
Musk on Friday declined to comment on a report earlier in the day by the New York Times that he used drugs more heavily than previously known while campaigning for Trump’s reelection.
Largest Donor
Musk, 53, was the largest donor supporting Trump’s reelection, giving more than $250 million. As a special government employee under the administration, Musk was allowed to keep running his businesses while maintaining an office in the White House. It was always a temporary arrangement with the law governing SGEs allowing only 130 days of work a year.
Trump spoke highly of Musk during the Friday event, which was ostensibly held to mark the end of Musk’s government service. The president handed Musk a gold key, while saying he had cut fraud and waste while helping to modernize systems.
“Elon is really not leaving,” Trump said. “He’s going to be back and forth.”
Musk wore a black hat and black t-shirt with the slogan “The Dogefather.” He also sported a black eye, drawing questions from reporters in the room. Musk said his 5-year-old son, X, had caused it.
“I said go ahead, punch me in the face, and he did,” Musk said. “I didn’t really feel much at the time but I guess it bruises.”
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