In a surprise twist that has political watchers raising eyebrows and tech fans doing double-takes, Donald Trump has revealed that Elon Musk isn’t actually leaving his post at the White House — at least, not fully.
Reported by The Guardian, the two appeared side by side in the Oval Office on Friday for what was expected to be Elon Musk’s official send-off as the head of the much-talked-about “department of government efficiency,” better known by its meme-worthy acronym: DOGE.
But just as everyone thought the tech billionaire was about to bow out, President Trump made a shock announcement.
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The president told reporters: "Elon is really not leaving".
Trump added: "He’s going to be back and forth. I think I have a feeling it’s his baby, and I think he’s going to be doing a lot of things."
While Musk’s official role as a “special government employee” might be winding down, both he and Trump made it clear the relationship is far from over.
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Musk said during the press event: “This is not the end of Doge but really the beginning”.
The tech billionaire added: “I hope to continue to provide advice whenever the president would like.” Trump, quick to respond, simply added: “I hope so.”
Despite recent tensions between the two, especially after Musk publicly slammed one of Trump’s latest tax bills, Friday’s vibe was more bromance than breakup.
Trump heaped praise on Musk, calling him “one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced.” He also gave Musk a golden key emblazoned with the White House seal, saying it was something he only gave to “very special people.”
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The moment wasn’t without its lighter and stranger moments either.
Musk rocked up wearing a full-black outfit, topped with a ‘Doge’ cap and a T-shirt that read “The Dogefather.” But what really caught attention was the big ol’ bruise under his right eye.
Asked what happened, Musk casually dropped that his son, X Æ A-12, gave it to him.
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“I was just horsing around with X and 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 up.”
He joked that he wasn’t “anywhere near France,” referencing a viral clip involving French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte.
And if all that wasn’t wild enough, Musk neatly sidestepped a question about a New York Times report claiming he used drugs while serving in his advisory role, including ketamine and psychedelics.
“Let’s move on,” he said, before blasting the Times for its past reporting on the Russia investigation.
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So, while Musk might be handing over the Doge reins, it’s clear he’s not going far.