Trump says Musk is 'not really leaving' as DOGE role ends

Donald Trump and Elon Musk held a final press conference in the Oval Office to mark the official end of Musk’s role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Despite Musk stepping down, DOGE — the cost-cutting initiative launched by Trump in 2024 and led by Musk — is set to officially end in July 2026, though both parties emphasized their partnership will continue.

“He’s not really leaving,” Trump said. “This was his baby.” Musk confirmed he will continue to advise the president informally.

Created by executive order, DOGE was tasked with identifying and reducing waste across the federal government. It claims to have saved $175 billion so far, with Musk citing a long-term target of $1 trillion. The initiative has faced criticism over transparency and the effect of cuts on public-sector employment and foreign aid.

Trump presented Musk with a gold key in a wooden case during the event and called him “the greatest businessman the world has ever produced.” Musk wore a DOGE-branded cap and a “Dogefather” T-shirt. He said the work had been “hard,” but meaningful, and added, “I’m still at the President’s service.”

Trump also took the opportunity to clarify that the decision to freeze federal funds for Harvard was made by the White House, not DOGE. The administration plans to redirect $5 billion from that freeze to expand vocational and trade schools.

Asked about tariff relief for Tesla, Trump said that would depend on how many vehicles the company manufactures in the U.S.

Musk, who had a visible black eye, said he got it while playing with his young son and declined to comment further on questions about drug use allegations.

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