Trump and Musk Celebrate DOGE Office Legacy with Praise and Promises of Continued Collaboration

In a display of mutual admiration, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk shared a praise-filled moment in the Oval Office on Friday afternoon. The event marked Musk’s official last day as a special government employee and the face of the White House DOGE Office.

Trump held a press conference with Musk, presenting him with a large key contained in a brown box. The president described this gift as reserved for “very special people.” Musk, wearing a black DOGE cap and a graphic tee reading “The Dogefather,” accepted the present, calling it “amazing” and complimenting Trump’s revamped golden Oval Office decor.

Trump lavished praise on Musk, thanking him for his work and emphasizing that DOGE’s efforts would continue. He referred to DOGE employees as “geniuses,” particularly in computer-related fields. Despite DOGE’s cost savings falling short of the $1 trillion goal, Trump expressed confidence that these savings could “double and triple” as many projects take time to complete. He highlighted the Internal Revenue Service, noting that rebuilding some of its systems would require years.

Although Friday marked Musk’s final day in his government role, Trump suggested he might continue to visit and advise occasionally. “Elon is really not leaving. He’s going to be back and forth, I think. I have a feeling. It’s his baby,” Trump said. When asked if he would continue advising the president, Musk responded, “I expect to remain a friend and an advisor. Certainly, if there’s anything the president wants me to do, I’m at the president’s service.”

Musk also expressed optimism about DOGE’s potential to save $1 trillion by its self-imposed deadline of July 4, 2026, provided it receives support from Trump and Congress. He recently estimated that the group has saved $160 billion, and Trump has requested Congress to approve $9 billion worth of suggested cuts. Musk hinted at a possible extension of DOGE’s official end date, stating that the DOGE team would only grow stronger over time.

Musk announced his departure from the government earlier this month, affirming that DOGE’s mission would continue. The White House confirmed that another prominent DOGE leader, Steve Davis, had also left the team. Musk plans to devote more time to his various companies and cut back on political spending after contributing over $270 million during the 2024 election.