Trump admin live updates: White House drops NASA nominee with Musk ties
The Senate was expected to vote on Jared Isaacman next week.
President Donald Trump on Friday claimed China violated its trade agreement with the U.S. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said talks between the world's two largest economies stalled.
This week, Trump's global tariff policy hit a major roadblock as two federal courts ruled he does not have the power to unilaterally impose some levies. The tariffs can stay in place, for now, as the court considers the administration's appeal.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk is leaving his role as a "special government employee" but is expected to remain an unofficial adviser to Trump.
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'This is not the end of DOGE': Musk
During brief remarks from the Oval Office, Elon Musk said he believes the Department of Government Efficiency will "only grow stronger over time" and will see a "trillion dollars" of savings from waste and fraud reduction.
"The DOGE influence will only grow stronger," Musk said. "It's like a way of life."
Musk’s team claims DOGE has so far cut $175 billion through asset sales, canceled contracts and leases and workforce reductions. That figure falls considerably short of the $1 trillion goal.
Musk also said he looks forward to being back in the Oval Office.
"I look forward to continuing to be a friend and advisor to the president," Musk said.
Trump gives Musk gift
President Donald Trump, as an expression of gratitude, gave Elon Musk a gift of what appeared to be a gold key. The president said he appreciated all Musk had done.
"Elon gave an incredible service to nobody like him. And, he had to go through, the slings and the arrows, which is a shame because, he's an incredible patriot," Trump said before handing the gift to Musk.
Musk accepted the gift, thanking Trump. He then complimented the president on the renovations done to the Oval Office.
Musk 'accepted the outrageous abuse,' Trump says
President Donald Trump said Elon Musk "willingly accepted the outrageous abuse and slander and lies and attacks" because the South African native loves the U.S.
"I know that very much," Trump said. "He loves our country."
Trump's remarks come on the heels of a New York Times report that detailed Musk's alleged drug use and family drama.
Musk will be 'back and forth,' Trump says
As President Donald Trump bids farewell to Elon Musk's work as a federal government employee, he said he believes Musk "is really not leaving."
"He's going to be back and forth, I think," Trump said. "I have a feeling. It's his baby, and I think he's going to be doing a lot of things."
Trump also said his administration is "totally committed to making the DOGE cuts permanent."