Trump Approves of Musk Taking Questions from Press Amid DOGE Controversy

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Gabe Whisnant is Deputy Weekend Editor at Newsweek based in South Carolina. Prior to joining Newsweek in 2023, he directed daily publications in North and South Carolina. As an executive editor, Gabe led award-winning coverage of Charleston church shooter Dylan Roof's capture in 2015, along with coverage of the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. You can get in touch with Gabe by emailing g.whisnant@newsweek.com. Find him on Twitter @GabeWhisnant.

Deputy Weekend Editor

President Donald Trump told reporters that he would approve of billionaire ally Elon Musk taking questions from the press amid the controversy surrounding Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

A reporter asked Trump if he will "put Elon Musk up on the podium for us to ask him some questions?" The president replied, amid stating his approval of Musk, "Oh, Sure. He's not shy. Elon's not shy."

Musk's growing role in the United States government is sparking debate about the influence of billionaires in public policy. His appointment as a special government employee under the Trump administration has raised questions about his authority, the extent of his involvement, and whether his work benefits the public or his private business interests.

This is a developing news story and will be updated with additional information.

President Donald Trump told reporters that he would approve of billionaire ally Elon Musk taking questions from the press amid the controversy surrounding Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).