The White House Clarifies: Elon Musk Has No Official Authority in Government Decisions
In a judicial document submitted by the White House, it has been clarified that Elon Musk is not an official employee of the “Government Efficiency Office” and “does not have official authority to make governmental decisions.”
Elon Musk’s Role in Government Efficiency
Elon Musk, often referred to as the world’s richest man, has been practically leading the “Government Efficiency Office,” an entity established by President Donald Trump. This office aimed at significantly reducing government spending, including through the elimination of thousands of jobs. Trump announced in November that “the great Elon Musk… will lead the Government Efficiency Office DOGE.”
Legal Clarifications
According to the judicial document presented by Joshua Fisher, Director of the “Office of Administration,” Musk is a “White House employee… as a special non-permanent government employee” and serves as “a high-level advisor to the President.”
Fisher further explained that much like other high-level White House advisors, “Mr. Musk does not possess actual or official authority to make governmental decisions independently. Mr. Musk can only advise the President and convey the President’s directives.” He added that “the American DOGE Service is part of the President’s executive office. The temporary American DOGE Service Organization is part of the American DOGE Service. Both are separate from the White House.”
Musk’s Position Clarified
Fisher clarified that “Mr. Musk is an employee of the White House Office. He is not an employee of the American DOGE Service or the temporary American DOGE Service Organization. Mr. Musk is not the interim director.”
This document was filed in response to a lawsuit brought against Musk by 14 states, including New Mexico.
Public Perception and Media
In a joint interview with Musk expected to air later on Tuesday on Fox News, Trump attacked his critics who claim that the Tesla founder is running the White House. Trump, in snippets of the interview, said, “I think no one in history has ever had their image tarnished like me… But, do you know what I learned from Elon? He taught me that people are smart and understand what’s happening,” with Musk adding, “Yes, they are.”
This article sheds light on the ongoing discussions around Musk’s influence in government operations, clarifying his advisory rather than decision-making role.
