Recently, Elon Musk has become a topic of humor online, with jokes suggesting that he is the ‘real’ president of the United States. However, Donald Trump has clarified Musk’s actual role within the federal government.
Initially, the relationship between Musk and Trump was not particularly smooth, but they became closer during Trump’s 2024 campaign. This connection has resulted in Musk securing a role as a special government employee within the Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The DOGE is focused on reducing government expenditures, updating federal technology systems, and eliminating fraud and wasteful practices, all while enhancing the overall efficiency of governmental operations.
A notable example of government waste was discovered during an audit, which found that the Air Force had spent over $1,200 to replace 25 reheatable coffee cups, with each cup costing more than $1,200.
Musk’s new position has stirred up some controversy, leading to internet memes portraying Musk as the ‘president’ and Trump as the ‘vice president.’ Critics have expressed concerns about who is truly in charge, pointing out that Musk was not elected.
In an exclusive interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News on Tuesday (February 18), Trump and Musk discussed their friendship and Musk’s role in the federal government.
The CEO of Tesla mentioned that he serves as ‘tech support’ for the president, even wearing a t-shirt with the phrase. President Trump, however, clarified that Musk’s role involves navigating bureaucratic processes and ensuring tasks are accomplished.
Trump, known for his preference for executive orders, noted that there was a delay in their implementation until Musk improved the system with the help of his ‘100 geniuses’.
According to newly released White House documents, Musk, who is working pro bono, is not officially part of the DOGE. Instead, he holds the title of ‘senior advisor to the president’, which does not grant him any formal authority to make government decisions, as reported by AP.
Despite not being the chief decision-maker at DOGE, Trump humorously remarked in the Fox interview that Musk was his choice because they couldn’t find anyone more intelligent than the SpaceX founder.
The friendly interview featured mutual praise, with Hannity commenting that he felt like he was ‘interviewing two brothers’.
To date, DOGE has managed to save billions by cutting contracts awarded by the Education Department and the National Institutes of Health, aligning with Trump’s goal to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Musk also shared his thoughts, stating: “I’m a technologist, and I try to make technologies that improve the world.”
He continued: “My t-shirt says tech support, because I’m here to provide the president with technology support. And now that may seem like, well, is that a silly thing? But actually, it’s a very important thing because the president will make these executive orders, which are very sensible and good for the country, but then they don’t get implemented.”
Moreover, Musk expressed his admiration for Trump, saying: “I love the president. I think President Trump is a good man.”
Trump, in turn, praised Musk, calling him a ‘leader’ and a ‘brilliant guy’.
“He’s got tremendous imagination,” Trump added. “But he’s also a good person. He’s a very good person.”