 "Elon Musk speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington on Friday, . AP")
US President Donald Trump on Friday heaped praise on Elon Musk, saying that the billionaire’s “service to America is without comparison in modern history”, as Musk stepped down from his official role as a special government employee.
Musk, who led the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) under Trump’s administration, was credited by the president for delivering “colossal change” in how Washington operates.
“He’s worked tirelessly,” The Guardian quoted Trump as saying at a press conference to mark Musk’s exit from Doge, claiming that he played a central role in the “most sweeping and consequential government reform programme in generations.”
Trump said the reforms led by Doge would be remembered when his administration eventually announces that “billions of dollars in waste, fraud and abuse in federal contracts has been eliminated.”
He added that the cuts initiated by Doge would be made permanent through what he described as a “big, beautiful bill” — a measure Musk has previously criticised for undermining Doge’s mission.
Despite stepping down, Trump suggested Musk’s departure was more symbolic than operational.
“Elon’s not really leaving,” he said. “He’s going to be back and forth, I think, I have a feeling. [Doge is] his baby,” he added.
Echoing that sentiment, Musk called Doge “a way of life” and said his exit from formal government service was not the end but rather “the beginning.”
He reaffirmed his long-term goal of achieving $1 trillion in government savings, though acknowledged that recent progress had fallen short.
Musk also confirmed he would continue to visit the White House in an unofficial capacity, describing himself as a “friend and adviser to the president.”
Musk, the world’s richest person, has said he is stepping back from his role at the White House to focus on his companies, which include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X.
His formal exit comes after a bombshell report in The New York Times on his alleged drug use.
The newspaper said that Musk used so much ketamine during the 2024 campaign that he developed bladder problems and that he was also taking ecstasy and psychoactive mushrooms, and traveled with a pill box last year.
When a reporter attempted to ask Musk about the report, Musk quickly cut off the question and moved on.
Asked again about his advisory role, Musk reiterated his commitment to supporting Trump.
“I expect to continue to provide advice,” he said. “I hope so,” Trump responded.
With inputs from agencies