In a discussion with reporters aboard Air Force One last week, President Donald Trump discussed the future of the Department of Government Efficiency after Elon Musk eventually departs.
“I would say Elon will stay for a certain period of time, and then he’s going to want to get back to his businesses full-time, but he’s done a fantastic job,” Trump said. “We’re in no rush, but there will be a point at which time Elon is going to have to leave.”
According to an executive order, which Trump signed on his first day in office, DOGE will operate until July 4, 2026. It is possible that Musk leaves the department in an official capacity before that date, but continues to advise the president on necessary actions.
Trump said DOGE will continue to operate after Musk’s tenure ends, but said he wants Musk to stay with the department as long as he can.
“I want Elon to stay as long as possible,” Trump said. “There will be a point when he’s going to have to leave, and when he does, the secretaries will take totally over, and DOGE will stay active.”
Vice President JD Vance also emphasized Musk’s value to the administration and rebutted claims that he was leaving soon in a Fox and Friends appearance last week.
“Elon came in, and we said, we need you to make government more efficient, we need you to shrink the incredible, vast bureaucracy that thwarts the will of the American people and also costs way too much money, and we said that’s going to take about six months,” Vance said. “The work of DOGE is not even close to done. The work of Elon is not even close to done.”
Vance also said Musk would continue to have a role in the administration after he finishes his DOGE work.
“Fundamentally, Elon is going to remain a friend and adviser of both me and the president and he’s done a lot of good things.”
TRACKING WHAT DOGE IS DOING ACROSS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Musk’s time with DOGE in an official capacity may be limited due to his status as a “special government employee,” as well as his need to return to managing his businesses, such as Tesla and SpaceX.
It is likely, however, that Musk will continue to have contact with the Trump administration while DOGE continues to operate. Even if he is no longer in charge of DOGE, Musk should continue to give advice on how the administration can increase government efficiency.