White House spokesman calls reports that Elon Musk will step down as special government employee before his term ends 'garbage.'


By

Gage Skidmore

Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is expected to step down within the next few weeks. Musk is a 'special government employee' and his term is due to expire in late May or early June 2025. However, a White House spokesman called a report by news site POLITICO, which reported that there was 'discontent within the administration' about Musk stepping down earlier than that, 'garbage.'

Trump Tells Inner Circle That Musk Will Leave Soon - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/02/trump-musk-leaving-political-liability-00265784

Trump privately indicates Musk to step back from administration after government employee status expires: Sources - ABC News
https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-privately-elon-musk-step-back-current-role/story?id=120415238

Musk to stay until DOGE work 'complete' as White House rebuts reports
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/02/elon-musk-doge/82781339007/

Musk became the leader of DOGE, which was founded under the Trump administration in January 2025.

President Trump signs executive order to establish 'Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)' led by Elon Musk, who will have an office in the White House - GIGAZINE



It is known that Musk is not a full-time federal employee, but is also not a volunteer and is a 'special government employee,' and is not paid a salary.

Musk works as a 'special government employee,' White House announces - CNN.co.jp
https://www.cnn.co.jp/usa/35229028.html

The term of office for a 'special government employee' is set at 130 days, and although the exact deadline is unknown because it is unclear when Musk was officially appointed, it was expected to expire in late May or early June 2025.

POLITICO and ABC News reported that President Trump told aides that Musk 'may take a step back from his current role' within the next few weeks, before the end of his term as a 'special government employee.' According to the report, President Trump indicated that he is happy with Musk's work at DOGE, but that 'Musk must return to Tesla at some point,' indicating his departure from his position.

However, POLITICO pointed out that Musk had been unhappy with some within the Trump camp since the November 2024 election campaign and had difficulty communicating with staff, suggesting that this may have led to his early departure.

In response to the report, White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt said, 'The (POLITICO) scoop is garbage. Both Elon Musk and President Trump have stated publicly that Musk will cease serving as a special government employee when he completes his incredible work at DOGE.'


Musk responded, 'Yes, it's fake news.'


Regarding Musk's term as a special government employee, there is speculation that President Trump may seek to find a way to postpone it in some way, so it is unclear when he will step down.

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