Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk, who headed the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), has not been given a permanent office in the West Wing of the White House, next to President Donald Trump’s Oval Office. This decision was made by the president’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, who is called the “Ice Lady” in the administration. About this writes The Times.
According to the publication, Wiles said that her priority is cooperation and focus of all employees on common goals. She clearly outlined that she would not allow the presence of “people who want to work independently or want to be stars.” The decision came in response to speculation about Musk’s role as “true vice president” or “co-president,” which could distract attention from the administration’s core tasks.
According to the publication, Musk tried to get an office a few meters from the Oval Office, but his team will now be based in the Eisenhower Administration Building. This building is located on the grounds of the White House, but is a few minutes’ walk from the main complex.
In addition, Wiles decreed that Doge’s employees should report to her, increasing oversight of the department’s efforts to streamline costs and improve the efficiency of government processes.
It will be recalled that Elon Musk openly supported Donald Trump during his election campaign, especially after the assassination attempt on the Republican candidate in the summer of 2024 in the state of Pennsylvania. At one of the rallies, Musk said that Trump should win, because his opponents are allegedly “trying to deprive Americans of freedom of speech.”
According to the Associated Press, Musk, through the America PAC political committee he founded, spent about $200 million in support of Trump’s presidential campaign. This made Musk one of the key financial donors to Trump’s campaign efforts.
Despite his significant contributions, Musk has faced limitations on his own influence within the administration. Susie Wiles’ decision symbolizes the desire of the Trump team to maintain control over domestic politics and avoid the risks associated with the dominance of one individual in government processes.
