While chatting with the press on Air Force One this week, President Trump reacted to reports that Elon Musk’s time with the administration is nearly at an end.
How much longer will Musk stay? Trump hopes as along as possible.
“Elon is fantastic. He’s a patriot,” Trump told reporters, adding Musk can stay at the White House “as long as he’d like” and that he personally wants him to stay “as long as possible.”
“I like smart people, and he’s a smart person. I also like him, personally,” Trump added. “We’re in no rush. But there will be a point at which time Elon’s going to have to leave.”
According to data from the Office of Government Ethics, “Special government employees” are permitted to work for the federal government for “no more than 130 days in a 365-day period.”
Musk’s 130-day timeframe, beginning on Inauguration Day, would expire May 30.
Trump was also asked about appointing Musk to a new role to keep him around.
“I would. I think Elon’s great,” Trump responded. “But he also has a company to run, or a number of companies to run.”
Watch the clip below:
President Trump on Elon Musk and @DOGE: “I want Elon to stay as long as possible”
— America (@america) April 4, 2025
Musk’s work with DOGE officially began after President Trump signed an executive order establishing the office Jan. 20.
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