Elon Musk might be stepping back from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but former President Donald Trump is continuing to support him wholeheartedly.
During a recent executive order signing in the Oval Office, Trump took a moment to commend Musk for his intelligence and patriotism, standing firm against those who criticize the tech entrepreneur’s efforts in federal reform. Trump remarked, “He’s an incredible… brilliant guy,” highlighting the significant help Musk provided during his campaign and with the work at DOGE.
Founded in 2025, DOGE represents a key aspect of Trump’s agenda in his second term, focusing on reducing waste in government, streamlining agencies, and applying private-sector methods to federal operations.
However, Musk’s role in this initiative has drawn both praise and criticism. In a conversation with reporters, Trump defended Musk, claiming he has faced unfair treatment, especially regarding his vehicle company, Tesla. Trump pointed out that Musk chose to help the nation, saying, “He didn’t need to do this. He did it.”
Musk’s ties to Tesla have become even more scrutinized, especially considering recent unrest, such as a firebombing at a Kansas City dealership and security threats that led to the cancellation of a Tesla executive’s appearance in Europe. These events come amid ongoing protests at Tesla’s Berlin factory.
Trump continued to applaud Musk’s accomplishments, particularly his work with SpaceX. “When you see those rockets go up and come back and land in the same spot, nobody else can do that but this man,” he said, calling Musk an incredible individual and a personal friend. He also praised Musk’s broad contributions to technology, describing him as a “great patriot” who has created exceptional products, like Tesla vehicles, and provides valuable services through innovations like Starlink.
As Musk prepares to refocus on his business endeavors, Trump expressed his desire to keep Musk involved with DOGE for as long as possible. He stated, “I’d like to keep him for a long time.”
Public opinion on DOGE appears to be divided; while a recent poll suggests that some believe it will enhance government efficiency, a majority still perceive the Trump administration as struggling to manage federal operations effectively.
In this dynamic political landscape, Musk’s influence and business strategies continue to garner attention and debate.
