Trump denies Musk an office in the White House: new department will work in the Eisenhower building

By: Nastya Bobkova | 25.01.2025, 03:37
Trump denies Musk an office in the White House: new department will work in the Eisenhower building Elon Musk will not get an office in the White House. Source: Scientific American

Elon Musk wanted to set up an office in the centre of the White House. However, the Trump administration decided to create a new Department of Government Performance in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Here's What We Know

This building is located on the White House grounds, but not so close to the Oval Office.

The US President's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, denied Musk access to a permanent office in the West Wing of the White House. She indicated that she does not support people who want to work independently or behave like stars.

Donald Trump shakes hands with his senior adviser Susie Wiles
Donald Trump shakes hands with his senior adviser Susie Wiles. Illustration: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

In addition, President Trump confirmed earlier this week that Musk will not be given an office in the West Wing of the White House, and his department will occupy a multi-person office in another building.

Currently, the main goal of the DOGE department is to reduce government spending. Musk will be paired with Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, although according to the latest information, Ramaswamy will not be working with Musk on this project. His ambitions to cut costs and reform government structures could affect many areas, from the Pentagon to the State Department.

The creation of the DOGE was one of the first executive orders of the newly elected US president. Initially, an office was planned in the White House itself, but Trump noted that Musk's team would work in another room on the White House grounds.

Elon Musk at the inauguration of Donald Trump
Elon Musk at Donald Trump's inauguration. Illustration: The Press Democrat

In addition, when journalists asked earlier this week whether Musk would get an office in the West Wing, Trump answered in the negative.

"No. He's getting an office for about 20 people that we're hiring to make sure that this [savings] is realised," the new US president said.

Source: The Times