Elon Musk Serving as a ‘special government employee’, says White House

Tech mogul Elon Musk is serving in the Trump administration as a special government employee, according to a White House official. Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—an entity President Donald Trump established by executive order on his first day in office.

Unlike full-time federal employees, special government employees are temporary staffers who must abide by conflict-of-interest and ethics policies, though with fewer disclosure obligations. A person familiar with Musk’s role confirmed that such employees can work up to 130 days per year, with partial days counted proportionally.

Musk’s appointment follows his long-standing alliance with Trump and his outspoken advocacy for cutting government spending. Trump has tasked him with overhauling federal expenditures, calling Musk’s instinct for efficiency a valuable asset.

“Elon can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval, and we’ll give him the approval where appropriate; where not appropriate, we won’t,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “He reports in… but he does have a good natural instinct.”

Musk’s Role in the Newly Formed DOGE

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) emerged from Trump’s reorganization of the U.S. Digital Service, which was renamed the U.S. DOGE Service under the Executive Office of the President. DOGE’s mission is to “maximize governmental efficiency and productivity”, with its team composed of agency personnel and temporary hires like Musk.

Musk has wasted no time in touting his cost-cutting agenda, declaring on X, “Nothing polls higher than cutting government spending.”

DOGE has already claimed responsibility for significant cuts, including:

  • $44.6 million in lease terminations for underused federal buildings
  • $1 billion in canceled contracts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs
  • Over $40 billion in reduced foreign aid funding

Musk has also publicly criticized U.S. foreign aid spending, calling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) a “crazy waste of money.” He hinted at shutting down the agency entirely, claiming on X that he and Trump are “in the process” of dismantling it.

Concerns Over Conflicts of Interest

Musk’s appointment has raised ethical concerns, given that his company SpaceX has secured billions in government contracts. Critics argue that his new role could present a conflict of interest, though Musk himself has dismissed such concerns, emphasizing his commitment to reducing government waste.

Despite the controversy, Musk’s influence in Washington appears to be expanding, with DOGE positioned as a key player in Trump’s efforts to reshape federal spending. As the administration moves forward, Musk’s impact on government efficiency and fiscal policy will be closely watched.

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