Trump Praises Elon Musk and DOGE Amid Tesla CEO's Resignation from Government Role

Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a dramatic departure from public service, appearing alongside President Donald Trump during a press conference held in the Oval Office. Sporting a conspicuous black eye, Musk addressed swirling rumors about his sudden exit, recent personal controversies, and the legacy of his government cost-cutting initiative, DOGE. Standing before assembled media, Musk emphasized his ongoing commitment to remain a "friend and advisor" to the president, despite formally stepping down from his role in the administration.

President Trump offered effusive praise for Musk’s efforts, describing his tenure as “incredible service” and presenting him with a golden key as an honorary gesture. However, the president also downplayed the finality of Musk’s exit, insisting, “Elon's really not leaving. He's going to be back and forth.” Trump assured reporters that the DOGE program would endure, stating his administration’s intention to push for Congressional legislation to make its budget cuts permanent.

The savings achieved by DOGE became a point of contention. The administration announced $170 billion in federal savings under the initiative, far short of Musk's initial $2 trillion target. Independent analysts and watchdog sites offered more conservative estimates, suggesting actual savings could be as low as $12 billion, with some sources citing figures in the low billions.

Public attention, however, was riveted by Musk’s appearance. The pronounced bruise on his right eye sparked widespread speculation, particularly as it coincided with fresh allegations regarding his use of illicit substances during the 2024 campaign. Musk, 53, dismissed rumors of substance abuse and explained the injury with a touch of humor, attributing it to playful roughhousing with his young son, X. “Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is…” Musk joked, trailing off as laughter broke out among those present.

When pressed regarding accusations of ketamine, ecstasy, and psilocybin use outlined in investigative reports, Musk sidestepped the question and instead criticized media coverage, reaffirming his longstanding antagonism toward traditional outlets. He pointedly promoted his social media platform, X, as an alternative for open discourse.

Musk’s tenure in the administration was marked by both ambitious goals and growing disappointment. In recent statements, he expressed disillusionment with elements of the president’s proposed mega tax and spending bill, claiming it undermined the very cuts DOGE aimed to achieve. This tension, combined with personal and professional pressures, reportedly contributed to Musk’s decision to step down.

Meanwhile, Musk faces mounting challenges across his business empire. Shareholders have demanded his renewed focus on Tesla amid falling sales figures and mounting protests targeting the electric vehicle giant. Compounding these troubles, SpaceX has suffered a series of high-profile rocket setbacks, raising fresh questions about leadership and direction at two of the world’s most influential technology companies.

As Musk exits his official capacity in the administration, uncertainty lingers over both his legacy in government and the future trajectory of the policies he helped craft. Yet, with strong words of support from President Trump and a pledge to remain close at hand, Musk’s influence in Washington—and far beyond—shows no sign of fading anytime soon.