Trump open to appointing Musk to new position after ‘special government employee’ designation expires.

President Donald Trump said he wants Elon Musk to stay on his team “as long as possible” during a conversation with reporters Thursday, adding DOGE had found something “horrible” without divulging details.

The president made his remarks during a conversation with reporters on Air Force One after Trump was asked how much longer Musk would stay on as a “special government employee.”

The questions followed a report from Politico this week claiming Trump had told his inner circle that Musk will be leaving his role as a “special government employee” with DOGE soon. The report cited internal frustrations with Musk’s “unpredictability” and his potential to be a “political liability.”

“Elon is fantastic. He’s a patriot,” Trump told reporters, adding Musk can stay at the White House “as long as he’d like” and that he personally wants him to stay “as long as possible.”