Trump is reportedly pleased with Musk and his work as responsible for the so-called efficiency agency Doge. But both Trump and Musk are said to agree that it's soon time for the entrepreneur and billionaire to return to his business ventures.
A high-ranking government source tells Politico that Tesla owner Musk will likely remain in an informal advisory role and will continue to be seen at the White House.
Those who believe Musk will now completely disappear from Trump's circle "are fooling themselves", says another source to Politico.
The White House: Nonsense
"This 'scoop' is nonsense", comments the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on X and adds that both Musk and Trump have said that Musk will leave his position as "special government employee" when his incredible work on Doge is completed.
It has been previously known that Musk has a 130-day contract as "special government employee". The period expires at the end of May and June.
The electric car manufacturer Tesla's stock rose sharply to around plus 5 percent in trading on Wall Street after Politico's reporting on Wednesday afternoon, Swedish time.
Divided Opinions
Opinions about Musk and his work to make cuts in the American state apparatus are divided. Some praise him, while others see him as an unpredictable and politically harmful force.
Politico's reports are published the day after liberal judge Susan Crawford won a hotly contested election to the Supreme Court in the state of Wisconsin. For Trump and Musk, the judicial election has been seen by some as a kind of popularity contest. Musk has supported and poured millions of dollars into the conservative opponent, loser Brad Schimel.
The recent months' turmoil surrounding Musk has led to criticism, including protests against Tesla. In several countries, Tesla dealers have been vandalized, while the stock price has fallen by about 30 percent since the turn of the year.
