Elon Musk’s Tesla and DOGE Reforms Take Center Stage at White House Event
President Donald Trump welcomed tech titan Elon Musk and his son, X Æ A-Xii (known as “Lil X”), to a White House press conference today, spotlighting Musk’s dual roles as an innovator and a key ally in government reform and finalizing the purchase of his new Tesla. The event celebrated Musk’s leadership at Tesla and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump-initiated task force aimed at slashing federal spending and streamlining operations.
A Great Product
A highlight of the conference was Trump’s announcement of a new White House acquisition: a Tesla vehicle for use by the president and staff. “Number one, it’s a great product — as good as it gets — and number two, because Elon has devoted his energy and his life to doing this, and I think he has been treated very unfairly,” Trump said, gesturing to the sleek electric vehicles linked up at the White House. Though Trump isn’t allowed to drive, he says his staff is excited to have the Tesla at the White House.
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Musk, joined by Lil X, used the platform to vouch for the reforms he’s driving through DOGE. Since its inception in January 2025, DOGE has targeted billions in federal spending, with Musk claiming early successes like canceling over $1 billion in diversity, equity, and inclusion contracts and scrutinizing agencies like USAID. “We’re here to make things better, faster, and cheaper for the American people,” Musk declared, as Lil X waved to the crowd. Trump echoed this, crediting Musk’s efforts with “saving our nation money and bringing forth reforms that are needed.”
The Tesla addition to the White House fleet — replaces a traditional gas-powered vehicle, aligning with DOGE’s push for cost-saving innovation. It’s a practical nod to Musk’s influence, which extends beyond Tesla to his role as a “special government employee” or “tech support” leading DOGE.
“You can’t be punished for being a patriot,” said Trump.
Despite its informal name (a playful riff on Musk’s favorite cryptocurrency, Dogecoin), DOGE has stirred controversy amid a small percentage of people with its rapid moves to access federal data systems and propose sweeping cuts, resulting in protests over the weekend at a handful of Tesla dealerships.
Trump shared he bought a Cybertruck for his granddaughter, Kai about a year ago, and “she loves it,” shared the president.
“I want to thank President Trump for his support,” responded Musk.
Trump dismissed such concerns, calling Musk “a genius, a patriot” whose results “speak for themselves.” The president highlighted DOGE’s mission to eliminate waste, with Musk adding, “We’re cutting through the bureaucracy to deliver real value.” The duo’s partnership has fueled speculation about Musk’s growing sway in Washington, especially as DOGE ramps up hiring for tech-savvy “small-government revolutionaries” to execute its agenda through July 2026. At least 76% of Americans approve of the work Musk is doing through DOGE.
ThriveNews.co will continue tracking the Trump-Musk collaboration as DOGE’s reforms unfold.