While the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues its efforts to cut unnecessary federal spending, more people have questioned what tech billionaire Elon Musk’s classification is in the White House and his official involvement in DOGE.
Is Elon Musk Getting Paid for DOGE?
Musk helped spark the creation of DOGE, a cost-cutting initiative signed into action by President Donald Trump. However, as previously reported by Newsweek, Musk is not receiving a salary for his role, according to White House filings. Musk has been classified as a “special government employee,” a designation that allows individuals to work for the government on a temporary basis.
White House documents reviewed by Newsweek confirm that Musk “has no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself” and is not the administrator of DOGE. His involvement is unpaid, meaning he does not receive federal compensation for his advisory work.
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The documentation counters previous statements from Trump, who in November 2024 indicated that Musk would lead DOGE with Vivek Ramaswamy, who has since exited the organization.
“Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies—Essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement,” Trump said in a statement. “I look forward to Elon and Vivek making changes to the Federal Bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency and, at the same time, making life better for all Americans.”
On Monday, the White House said Musk is not technically part of DOGE.
Joshua Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, said in a court filing that Musk does not lead DOGE and is not an employee of the organization.
What Is Elon Musk’s Role in the White House?
Musk has been working as an adviser to Trump.
“The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what the people are going to get,” Musk said alongside Trump in the White House last week. “They’re going to get what they voted for.”
On Monday, Judge Tanya Chutkan held a hearing in a case that challenged Musk’s authority in the federal government after fourteen states filed a federal lawsuit. The states—New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington—aim to curb DOGE’s alleged activities.
Chutkan said that she doesn’t believe she can impose a general restraining order on Musk and DOGE over the alleged firing of thousands of federal employees. She indicated that she will try to issue an order within 24 hours of Monday’s hearing.
What Is a Special Government Employee?
A Special Government Employee (SGE) is an individual brought into government service for a short-term role, usually limited to 130 days per year. The classification was established in 1962 to allow private sector experts to contribute to government work while avoiding full-time federal employment restrictions.
As an SGE, Musk is not required to file the same financial disclosures as full-time federal employees, which has led to criticism from lawmakers and watchdog groups.
Why Was DOGE Created?
Trump established DOGE via executive order on January 20, 2025, with the goal of eliminating wasteful federal spending.
The initiative focuses on reducing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, but extends beyond that to include efforts aimed at streamlining government operations and cutting contracts deemed unnecessary by the administration.
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DOGE teams have been embedded in multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Labor and the Treasury Department.
However, the program has faced legal challenges, with critics arguing that it operates without proper oversight. A federal judge recently blocked DOGE from accessing sensitive Treasury records that include Social Security payment data.
DOGE has also faced public backlash with demonstrators appearing in Washington, D.C., to protest against budget cuts and employee terminations.
Is Elon Musk a Citizen of the United States?
The increased spotlight on Musk has increased talk on whether he is a citizen of the United States. Born in South Africa in 1971, Musk later moved to Canada before eventually obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2002. His legal status allows him to serve in advisory roles for the U.S. government.
While Musk’s involvement in DOGE and the federal government at large continues to be a point of debate, his supporters argue that his business expertise makes him well-suited to reduce federal inefficiencies. His detractors warn of unchecked influence and conflicts of interest within the highest levels of government.
