In a heartfelt farewell press conference on Friday, President Trump praised Elon Musk for his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, who has been a special government employee, is stepping down after a significant tenure focused on reforming government operations.
Trump highlighted Musk’s efforts to modernize various government departments, identify wasteful spending, and cut unnecessary expenses. He expressed gratitude, saying, “Elon’s service to America has been without comparison in modern America.” The president emphasized that Americans owe Musk a great debt of gratitude for his contributions.
During the press conference, Trump assured the public that DOGE would continue its mission even after Musk’s departure. He expressed support for Congress to codify the budget cuts made during Musk’s time, noting that these savings would continue to grow.
To honor Musk’s contributions, Trump presented him with a large gold key to the White House, symbolizing the impact of his work. Musk, in his remarks, echoed the sentiment that DOGE’s initiatives would carry on, stating, “This is not the end of DOGE, but only the beginning.” He expressed confidence that the efforts would lead to significant savings for the government, potentially reaching a trillion dollars over time.
The farewell marked a significant moment as Musk leaves a role that has shaped government efficiency efforts under the Trump administration. With a promise of ongoing reforms, both Musk and Trump seem optimistic about the future of government spending and efficiency.