Elon Musk’s brief but headline-grabbing stint in the Trump administration has officially come to an end, with five major takeaways emerging from his final White House press conference.
Though Musk has long been a prominent public figure, his profile skyrocketed after becoming a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and his return bid for the presidency.
That support culminated in an unexpected appointment as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a role that quickly drew both praise and criticism.
Musk had already signaled his intention to step down last week, amid growing backlash from Tesla investors and employees concerned that the company was no longer his top priority.
Here are some of the big takeaways from the his farewell press conference.
Musk is set to leave DOGE to focus on his businesses like Tesla(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Elon Musk not leaving completely
While Musk is leaving DOGE, he insisted that the work the department has been doing will continue.
Speaking at the White House, he said: “My time as a special government employee necessarily had to end, it was a limited-time thing.”
Musk added that DOGE was now a ‘way of life [that is] “permeating throughout the government.”
Musk also said he will continue to consult with Trump with the president adding: “Elon’s really not leaving, he’s going to be back and forth… it’s his baby.”
Elon Musk’s black eye.
Musk has faced a hefty amount of criticism from all sides since becoming rather outspoken and supportive of Trump which has hurt his reputation.
This has seeped out into his business ventures as well as people have taken to protesting his Tesla cars. But the billionaire appeared to have a literal black eye during the conference and Musk had to eventually explain.
Musk claimed the bruise came from his five-year-old son during some rough play, telling to reporter: ” I was just horsing around with little X, and I said punch me in the face, and he did.
“It turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face, accidentally, it bruises up.”
Musk condemned the New York Times when a reporter highlighted a recent report by the outlet (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Elon Musk shuts down drug question
While rumors and speculation constantly follow all public figures, Musk has faced his fare share of them.
During the conference he was asked about a New York Times report that alleges during his time supporting Trump on the campaign trail, Musk consumed multiple drugs that went ‘well beyond occasional use.’
It also raised the question as to whether Musk had been taking a cocktail of drugs while working in the White House with DOGE.
However, before a reporter could even question Musk about their latest report, he cut them off and dismissed the New York Times, noting their reports of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Musk mocked the outlet and simply said: ‘Let’s move on.”
Trump speaks out on Emmanuel Macron incident
Donald Trump briefly commented about the incident that dominated headlines from a brief video of the French President.
Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron, apparently shoved the president in his face right as plane doors were opening and video footage of this moment caused a serious stir.
Trump appeared to note make such a big deal out of the incident simply saying: “He’s fine too. They’re fine. They’re two really good people I know them very well.”
Trump also took questions about the ongoing Diddy trial (Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Trump reflects on Diddy trial
President Trump was also asked about the ongoing trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and his previous relationship with the rapper/producer.
Combs, 55, is accused of racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, among other charges – all of which he has denied and has pleaded not guilty.
Trump did not rule out the possibility of a pardon, as he said: “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.
“First of all, I’d look at what’s happening, and I haven’t been watching it too closely, although it’s certainly getting a lot of coverage. I haven’t seen him. I haven’t spoken to him in years.”
He closed by saying he would have to look at the facts and see if Diddy was mistreated before he could weigh in about potential pardons.
