Watch: Speculations arise about Elon Musk leaving DOGE; Trump responds

US President Donald Trump expressed strong support for Elon Musk, saying he hoped the Telsa chief, who heads DOGE, remains part of his administration’s initiatives "as long as possible".

“I like smart people, and he's a smart person. I also like him, personally,” Trump said during a conversation with Fox News aboard Air Force One.

Trump's remarks were in response to Musk’s future as a “special government employee” linked to the DOGE project.

“We're in no rush. But there will be a point at which time Elon's going to have to leave," Trump said.

The President's comments came amid reports that Musk may soon exit his temporary government role, purportedly because members of Trump’s inner circle had discussed concerns over Tesla chief's “unpredictability” and potential as a “political liability.”

Despite the speculation, Trump made it clear he remains a staunch supporter of Musk. “Elon is fantastic. He's a patriot,” he told reporters. “He can stay at the White House as long as he'd like,” adding again that he wants him to stay “as long as possible.”

Trump also hinted that the work being done was of major significance. “The secretaries” in the Cabinet will take over Musk’s responsibilities after his departure, Trump said, noting that today, that work uncovered something “horrible” and “incredible,” though he declined to elaborate.

Vice President JD Vance also backed Musk amid reports of his stepping down, saying: “The fake news always tries to take the strongest members of the President’s team and attack them and tear them down."

The DOGE office was established by an executive order Trump signed on January 20. Musk began his role shortly after and has since led a team investigating classified or sensitive matters.

“Special government employees” are temporary workers allowed to serve up to 130 days within a 365-day period, per the Office of Government Ethics. Musk’s tenure, which began on Inauguration Day, is expected to conclude around May 30, unless reassigned.

When asked whether Musk might be offered another position in the administration to extend his involvement, Trump responded, “I would. I think Elon's great. But he also has a company to run, or a number of companies to run.”