In a scene reminiscent of an American soap opera, Elon Musk officially announced his departure from government alongside Donald Trump, who praised him as a “counselor” and strategic ally. The surreal press conference held in the Oval Office was marked by a series of jabs, justifications, and promises.
The American president lavished praise on the world’s richest man, commending him for his commitment to reducing public spending. “Americans owe a debt to Elon Musk,” declared Donald Trump, criticizing the “outrageous attacks, slanders, and lies” directed at his former collaborator.
A Scripted Exit, Presidential Support
Officially, Elon Musk is stepping down from the leadership of DOGE, the controversial “department of governmental efficiency” that he has headed for several months. In the face of criticism, he defended his record: “Doge has become a boogeyman unjustly accused of wanting to cut certain expenditures.” He avoided renewing his critiques of Trump’s fiscal policy, deemed “too lavish,” which he had recently questioned in an interview.
The president presented him with a symbolic golden key, promising that the billionaire would continue to make “comings and goings” at the White House. This gesture seems aimed at dispelling persistent rumors about a cooling relationship between the two men, despite documented tensions with several ministers and advisors.
Accusations of Drug Use
The public exit provided Musk with an opportunity to respond—albeit indirectly—to a New York Times article regarding his alleged consumption of various drugs, including ketamine, ecstasy, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and performance-enhancing medications. “Is this the New York Times we’re talking about? Let’s move on,” he dismissed, preferring to attack the credibility of the newspaper instead.
Dressed in black and wearing his trademark cap, Musk sported a visible bruise on his right eye. “I was playing with little X and told him to hit me in the face. And he did,” he explained, referring to his five-year-old son, who has already drawn attention in the Oval Office for his unusual behaviors.
Falling Popularity
Musk’s tenure in government was characterized by drastic spending cuts , especially in international aid and federal staffing. He had promised $1 trillion in savings; however, an independent site Doge Tracker reported that only several tens of billions had actually been saved. This endeavor has seriously tarnished the billionaire’s image and that of Tesla, which is now quite unpopular in the United States. In Europe, his ideological ties with far-right factions and his defense of populist parties have also attracted significant criticism.
Thus, Elon Musk departs from the governmental sphere without a solid record but with the public blessing of Donald Trump, who knows how to maintain his most visible supporters. While the door to the White House may remain ajar, it remains to be seen whether he will return—or if this is just another chapter in the saga between the two men.