Elon Musk Is ‘Special Government Employee,’ White House Confirms

Musk ‘can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval, and we’ll give him the approval where appropriate,’ Trump said.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, attends a technology conference in Paris on June 16, 2023. Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

The White House on Monday confirmed that Space X and Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk is considered a “special government employee” under the Trump administration amid questions about his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Speaking to reporters at the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Musk’s federal status and added, “I can also confirm that he has abided by all applicable federal laws.”