Elon Musk’s brief tenure within the Trump administration has ended as abruptly as it began, with five notable insights emerging from his final press briefing at the White House.
Elon Musk has long been a prominent public figure, but his profile intensified when he vocally backed Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.
His role expanded further when he joined the Trump administration, taking on the role of chief at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk announced his intention to step down from this position last week, facing mounting pressure from Tesla stakeholders concerned about his divided focus between government duties and company responsibilities.
Here are the key points from Musk’s farewell press briefing.
While Musk departs from DOGE, he expressed confidence that the department’s initiatives will persist.
Speaking at the White House, he remarked, “My time as a special government employee necessarily had to end, it was a limited-time thing.”
Musk emphasized that DOGE had become a ‘way of life [that is] “permeating throughout the government.”
He also stated his intention to maintain contact with Trump, with the president noting, “Elon’s really not leaving, he’s going to be back and forth… it’s his baby.”
Musk has faced considerable criticism for his vocal support of Trump, which has impacted his public image.
This criticism has extended to his business endeavors, with protests targeting his Tesla vehicles.
During the conference, Musk presented with a noticeable bruise, which he explained resulted from playing roughly with his five-year-old son, stating: “I was just horsing around with little X, and I said punch me in the face, and he did. Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face, accidentally, it bruises up.”
Musk has been the subject of numerous rumors, as is often the case for public figures.
When questioned about a New York Times report alleging his extensive drug use while supporting Trump on the campaign trail, and whether such behavior continued into his White House tenure, Musk dismissed the newspaper’s credibility.
He preemptively addressed the reporter, criticizing their past election interference coverage, and curtly remarked, “Let’s move on.”
Donald Trump also commented on a viral incident involving French President Macron.
A video captured Macron’s wife, Brigitte, seemingly pushing Trump’s face upon their arrival, which drew significant attention.
Trump downplayed the event, stating: “He’s fine too. They’re fine. They’re two really good people I know them very well.”
President Trump was also questioned about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ ongoing trial and his past interactions with the musician.
Combs, facing serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking, has denied all allegations and entered a not guilty plea.
Trump did not dismiss the possibility of a pardon, stating: “Nobody’s asked. But I know people are thinking about it. I know they’re thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking.”
He added that he would need to review the facts and determine if Diddy was unjustly treated before considering a pardon.