The world's richest individual, Elon Musk, who has a huge influence on the world's most powerful individual, Donald Trump, is reportedly stepping down as the head of the highly controversial US Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). Because of his larger-than-life clout with Trump, Musk has been dubbed the `co-president' of the US.
But Musk will continue as a "friend and adviser" to Trump even after leaving Doge. Vice-President JD Vance confirmed on Thursday that Musk would continue to serve as a “friend and adviser” to both the vice-president and Donald Trump, even after stepping down from his current position at the Doge.
Multiple media organisations had recently reported that Trump had informed his cabinet of Musk’s impending departure from the administration. The tech magnate, currently designated as a “special government employee”, is said to be preparing for a return to the private sector, shifting into a more supportive, external role.
Although Musk’s temporary appointment legally limits his government service to 130 days, he pushed back on the speculation midweek, denouncing the reports as “fake news”.
Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Vance reinforced Musk’s continued influence, saying: “Doge has got a lot of work to do, and yeah, that work is going to continue after Elon leaves, but fundamentally, Elon is going to remain a friend and an adviser of both me and the president.
Vance elaborated that Musk had been recruited to streamline the bloated US bureaucratic machinery, reduce wasteful expenditure, and help align government operations more closely with public expectations. Musk's role as a strategic adviser will persist well beyond the timeline, Vance said.
Although Musk’s official capacity may conclude soon, the Doge initiative itself is set to run until 2026, under the authority of an executive order signed by Trump.
The discussion around Musk’s future in government coincides with political developments in Wisconsin, where liberal judge Susan Crawford triumphed over a conservative opponent backed by Musk. The closely watched race, described by Democrats as a referendum on both Musk and Trump’s influence, culminated in the costliest judicial election in US history.
Following her victory, Crawford remarked: “I never imagined I’d be up against the wealthiest man on the planet in a fight for justice — and still come out on top.”
