White House officials and Tesla CEO Elon Musk engage in a heated exchange with Politico over reports about his anticipated departure from his government role.

According to Fox News, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Wednesday that Musk will remain in his position at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) until his scheduled work concludes later this spring.

The statement came as a direct response to what the administration termed "garbage" reporting by Politico. Leavitt took to X to forcefully rebut claims about Musk's premature departure, emphasizing that both Musk and President Trump have been transparent about the temporary nature of his role.

Her post garnered significant attention, with Musk himself responding to dismiss the Politico article as "fake news" - a response that received over 24 million views on the platform.

White House and Musk Unite Against Media Reports

The controversy emerged after Politico published an article suggesting Trump had informed his inner circle about Musk's imminent departure from his government role.

White House spokesman Harrison Fields strongly criticized the publication's reporting standards, accusing them of prioritizing clickbait over accurate journalism.

The administration's response highlighted their recent actions against media organizations, pointing to DOGE's termination of millions in government contracts with news outlets they deemed credible-compromised. When approached for comment, Politico maintained their stance, stating they stand behind their reporting.

DOGE's establishment marked a significant initiative in Trump's administration, designed as a temporary cross-departmental organization focused on streamlining federal government operations. The organization is scheduled to dissolve on July 4, 2026, according to Trump's executive order.

Special Government Employee Status Defines Timeline

Musk's role at DOGE falls under the "special government employee" designation, a position created by Congress in 1962 for short-term initiatives.

This classification limits his service to 130 days within a 365-day period, with his term set to expire on May 30.

During a recent Fox News interview with Bret Baier, Musk addressed questions about his tenure:

I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by a trillion dollars within that time frame.

President Trump also shared his thoughts on Musk's eventual departure during a media interaction on Monday, acknowledging the Tesla CEO's commitments outside government:

I think he's amazing. But I also think he's got a big company to run. And so at some point he's going to be going back. I'd keep him as long as I can keep him. He's a very talented guy. You know, I love very smart people. He's very smart. And he's done a good job. DOGE is, we've found numbers that nobody can even believe.

DOGE Leadership Transition Approaches

The White House maintains that Musk's departure aligns with the original timeline established when he accepted the position on January 20.

His 130-day term as a special government employee represents a specific commitment to assist with government efficiency initiatives.

The administration has highlighted DOGE's achievements under Musk's leadership, including significant cost-cutting measures and streamlining of government operations. The organization's work continues to progress toward its stated goals, with plans in place for the transition period following Musk's departure.

Current Status and Future Implications

Elon Musk will complete his role as DOGE leader when his term as a special government employee expires in May 2025. The position, created to streamline federal government operations and reduce wasteful spending, has already achieved significant milestones under his leadership according to White House officials.

The temporary nature of Musk's appointment was established from the beginning, with the Tesla CEO and President Trump maintaining transparency about the role's duration.

As DOGE continues its mission through 2026, the organization will build upon the foundation established during Musk's tenure while pursuing its mandate to enhance government efficiency.