Elon Musk Confirmed as ‘Special Government Employee’ for Trump Administration
The White House has confirmed that Elon Musk is working for President Donald Trump as a “special government employee.” This position allows Musk to play a significant role in the administration, but it also means he avoids some of the usual rules that federal employees must follow, especially regarding disclosures.
A White House official, speaking anonymously, revealed that Musk has been given a government email address and office space in the White House complex. The world’s wealthiest man has been granted considerable freedom by Trump to make cuts within the federal government, which includes shutting down the headquarters of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) earlier this week. Musk’s team, called the Department of Government Efficiency, has also gained access to sensitive payment systems at the U.S. Treasury Department.
Musk’s expanded role has raised concerns among some Democrats, who worry he is gaining too much influence in the government without proper oversight or accountability. As a special government employee, Musk’s term is typically limited to 130 days, but it’s unclear how federal ethics rules, such as financial disclosures, will apply to him. Musk is closely tied to the government through contracts with SpaceX, his aerospace company, which complicates matters further.
While Musk doesn’t receive a salary for his work in the government, the White House official noted that he is following the law and, as a result, is unlikely to need to file a public financial disclosure report. President Trump publicly expressed his support for Musk’s efforts, calling him a “big cost-cutter.” Trump acknowledged that they might not always agree, but praised Musk for the work he’s done so far, despite the controversy it has stirred.
