He Wants Musk “As Long As Possible” [WATCH]

President Donald Trump made clear on Thursday that Elon Musk remains a valued part of his administration, stating he wants Musk to stay on “as long as possible.”

The comments were made during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, as questions circulated about Musk’s future in the administration and his role with the Department of Government Ethics (DOGE).

The president’s remarks followed a report earlier this week from Politico, which claimed that Trump had told close advisors Musk would soon leave his role as a “special government employee” due to internal frustrations over Musk’s “unpredictability” and concerns he might become a “political liability.”

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Trump pushed back against that narrative, praising Musk and expressing no urgency to see him leave.

“Elon is fantastic. He’s a patriot,” Trump said. “We’re in no rush. But there will be a point at which time Elon’s going to have to leave.”

“I like smart people, and he’s a smart person. I also like him, personally,” he continued. “He can stay as long as he’d like, and I personally want him to stay as long as possible.”

Musk was appointed to DOGE after Trump signed an executive order establishing the office on Inauguration Day, January 20.

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DOGE, which has not been publicly defined in detail, has reportedly been involved in investigations or discoveries that Trump described Thursday as “horrible” and “incredible,” although he declined to provide further information.

“The secretaries” within the president’s cabinet will take over Musk’s responsibilities at DOGE once his term as a special government employee ends, Trump said.

Under federal law, the designation of “special government employee” permits individuals to work for the executive or legislative branches for no more than 130 days within a 365-day period.

Given that Musk’s appointment began on Inauguration Day, his eligibility under that designation would expire on May 30.

When asked if he would consider offering Musk another role to extend his time in the administration beyond the 130-day limit, Trump said he was open to the idea.

“I would. I think Elon is great,” Trump said. “But he also has a company to run, or a number of companies to run.”

The president also indicated that some of the staff working under Musk at DOGE could remain in Washington after his departure.

“A lot of those people, I believe, will go into the agencies,” Trump said.

Trump on Elon Musk & DOGE:

“Elon is fantastic. He’s a patriot. It’s a shame what they are doing with his car company. It’s a great car, great product. He found millions of dollars of fraud. He loves the country that’s why he does it. I want him to stay as long as possible.” pic.twitter.com/1x1O193FA4

— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) April 3, 2025

While no specific departure date was confirmed, Trump left open the possibility that Musk could remain involved in some capacity for months to come.

“I’d keep him as long as I can keep him. He’s a very talented guy. You know, I love very smart people. He’s very smart. And he’s done a good job.”

Trump’s comments come amid heightened interest in Musk’s influence in Washington, as well as growing speculation over his next moves both inside and outside government. For now, the president appears eager to maintain Musk’s involvement for as long as legally possible.

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