Elon Musk ‘can’t’ and ‘won’t' do anything without approval, says Donald Trump

Donald Trump also said at the White House that Elon Musk would not be allowed to decide on situations where there was conflict.

Published on: Feb 4, 2025, 13:57:35 IST

By HT News Desk

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US President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that billionaire Elon Musk, who was now in-charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), would only work with the administration's approval, reported AFP.

Elon Musk with US President Donald Trump (AP/File)

Trump also said at the White House that Musk would not be allowed to decide on situations where there was conflict.

Also Read: Marco Rubio takes over as USAID's acting head amid Elon Musk’s ‘shut down’ threat

"Elon can't do and won't do anything without our approval, and we'll give him the approval, where appropriate; where not appropriate, we won't. But he reports in," Trump said.

Donald Trump added, "If there's a conflict, then we won't let him get near it. But he does have a good, natural instinct. He's got a team of very talented people."

On Monday, Donald Trump's administration announced that Musk would be considered a “special government employee” which would allow him to continue his role as a private businessman while also working with the government.

Also Read: USAID officials at loggerheads with Elon Musk's DOGE over system access, sent on leave

Under the law a special government employee does not receive a salary. They are also supposed to be appointed to their positions for a maximum of 130 days. However, Trump has not himself specified how long Musk's special tenure will be.

Also Read: Musk fires back after Reddit users call for public execution of DOGE staff in violent posts, ‘They have broken the law’

Elon Musk has expressed his intent to dismantle the USAID (US Agency for International Development) characterising them as a left-wing organisation unaccountable to the White House. Trump has also expressed support for this move.

A government ethics professor at the Washington University School of Law told Reuters that another perk of being a special employee was the ability to avoid making public financial disclosures.

"If they do not make public his financial disclosure, it may make it impossible for the public and nongovernmental organizations and journalists to hold him and the government accountable and make sure he does not participate in matters where he has conflicts," she said.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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