Elon Musk's time in the Trump administration has come to an end with a news conference in the Oval Office in which he and the US president defended the work of Doge - and vowed it would continue, even without Musk. According to President Trump, Musk is "not really leaving" and will continue to be "back and forth" to the White House. "It's his baby," Trump said of Musk's work with Doge, short for the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency. Musk's departure comes 130 days after Trump returned to office, the maximum allowable through his status as a "special government employee". Doge - which is an advisory body, rather than a formal government department - has the stated aim of slashing government spending, saving taxpayer money and reducing the US national debt, which stands at $36tn (£28.9tn). Musk's work with Doge, however, has come with considerable controversy, particularly after mass lay-offs across federal agencies and the elimination of most programmes run by USAID, the main US foreign aid organisation. It also led to Musk's companies coming under scrutiny, withglobal protests against Teslaand calls for boycotts. In turn, thecompany saw sales plummetto their lowest level in years. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump praised Musk, who he credited with "tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform programme in generations". Trump added that the "mindsets" of federal officials have changed as a result of Doge's work to detect fraud and "slash waste". According to Doge's website, it had saved the US government a total of $175bn as of 29 May. A BBC analysis conducted in late April, however, found that only $61.5bn of that amount was itemised, and evidence of how the savings were achieved was available about $32.5bn of the total. "He's not really leaving," Trump said of Musk. "He's going to be back and forth...I think he's going to be doing a lot of things." Musk, for his part, insisted that Doge will continue to "relentlessly" seek $1 trillion in reductions. The meeting between the two men comes just days after an interview with CBS - the BBC's US partner - in which Musk said he was "disappointed" in what Trump has referred to as his "big, beautiful" bill, which includes multi-trillion dollar tax breaks and a pledge to increase defence spending. While Musk had previously said he believes that the bill "undermines" the work of Doge, he did not comment on it during the Oval Office meeting. Trump, though, delivered a lengthy defence of the "unbelievable" legislation that "does amazing things". "But there are two things I'd like to see," Trump said. "Maybe cut a little bit more. I'd like to see a bigger cut in taxes." The news conference also took several turns, including when Musk was asked about a New York Times report this week that suggested he was using drugs heavily during Trump's 2024 campaign. After cutting off the reporter before he could finish the question, Musk responded by citing a recent judge's decision that Trump can proceed with a defamation case against the Washington Post and New York Times for their reporting on alleged connections between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia. "That New York Times?" Musk asked. "Let's move on." Additionally, Musk was asked why he appeared to have a bruised eye. "I wasn't anywhere near France," Musk replied, a referenceto a recent incident between French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macronand his wife Brigette. Musk said his injury by saying he had told his son, X Æ A-12 - known as X - to punch him. "Turns out even a five-year-old-punching you in the fact actually does - that was X," he said.
In Oval Office farewell, Trump says Elon Musk is 'not really leaving'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump and Musk Discuss Future of Government Efficiency Amid Controversial Departure"
Bbc News
5.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Elon Musk's tenure as part of the Trump administration concluded with a press conference held in the Oval Office, where both he and President Trump defended the initiatives of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), a body aimed at reducing government spending and addressing the national debt. Trump expressed confidence in Musk's continued involvement, stating that he is 'not really leaving' and would be frequently returning to the White House. Musk's departure, occurring 130 days after Trump resumed office, marks the limit of his status as a 'special government employee.' Doge has been controversial, particularly following significant layoffs in federal agencies and the reduction of programs run by USAID, leading to protests against Musk's companies, including Tesla, which experienced a substantial decline in sales. Despite these challenges, Trump commended Musk for his role in what he described as transformative government reforms, claiming that Doge has saved the government $175 billion, although independent analyses have questioned the actual savings and their substantiation.
During the press conference, Musk reaffirmed his commitment to Doge's mission of pursuing $1 trillion in budget cuts, while Trump defended the administration's legislative agenda, including a multi-trillion dollar bill that Musk had previously criticized for undermining Doge's objectives. The meeting took an unexpected turn when Musk was confronted with questions regarding a New York Times report about his alleged drug use during Trump's campaign. Musk deflected the inquiry by referencing a legal ruling involving Trump's defamation case against the publication. Additionally, when questioned about an apparent injury to his eye, Musk humorously attributed it to an incident with his young son. This farewell press conference not only highlighted Musk's controversial exit but also underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding government reform and fiscal responsibility under the Trump administration.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a significant moment in the political landscape, highlighting the relationship between former President Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk. This farewell in the Oval Office signals a complex interplay of political influence, economic strategy, and public perception surrounding Musk's initiatives.
Political Influence and Public Perception
By framing Musk's departure as a non-exit, Trump aims to maintain a narrative that emphasizes continuity and ongoing collaboration. This rhetoric serves to bolster Musk's image as a key player in government efficiency reforms, potentially appealing to both his supporters and those skeptical of government spending. The portrayal of Musk as indispensable may also be an attempt to mitigate the backlash against his controversial decisions, such as layoffs in federal agencies.
Economic Implications
Musk's role in Doge, which purportedly saved the government billions, is presented as a success. However, the article hints at underlying controversy, including scrutinized layoffs and diminished sales for Tesla. By emphasizing the financial benefits of Doge, the article seeks to create a positive association with Musk's efforts, despite the negative consequences that have arisen. This could influence public sentiment towards both Musk’s companies and future economic policies.
Manipulation and Hidden Agendas
There appears to be an effort to gloss over the criticisms of Doge’s impact on employment and social services. By focusing on the purported savings, the article may be downplaying the broader consequences of such austerity measures. This creates a narrative that could divert attention from the potential human costs of the policies Musk has implemented.
Connection to Broader Trends
This news piece may be part of a larger strategy to align high-profile individuals with government efficiency narratives, particularly in a time when public trust in government is fluctuating. The connection to Musk's other ventures could also be seen as a way to influence stock market perceptions, particularly for companies like Tesla, which may be impacted by public opinion and government relations.
Target Audience and Community Support
The article seems aimed at a politically engaged audience, particularly those who admire Trump and Musk. It may resonate more with communities that value fiscal conservatism and government reform initiatives. By portraying Musk positively, the article seeks to galvanize support among those who prioritize economic efficiency.
Impact on Markets and Global Dynamics
The implications of this narrative could extend to the stock market, particularly regarding companies associated with Musk, such as Tesla and SpaceX. Positive media coverage may influence investor confidence, thereby affecting stock prices. Furthermore, the emphasis on government efficiency could resonate in broader discussions of fiscal policy and economic strategy, impacting how global investors view the U.S. economy.
The article is predominantly factual but does exhibit a bias towards presenting Musk's actions in a favorable light. This could be perceived as manipulative, as it selectively highlights successes while downplaying significant controversies. The language used tends to celebrate Musk's contributions without adequately addressing the complexities involved.
Overall, while the article provides some factual information, its framing and selective emphasis suggest a degree of manipulation intended to shape public perception favorably towards Musk and his initiatives.