President Donald Trump is urging Elon Musk to extend his tenure in the federal government following what the administration described as a deeply troubling discovery made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk currently leads.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that Musk’s team uncovered “something horrible” during the latest internal review of federal operations. While details were not disclosed, the president suggested the findings could lead to a broader investigation into mismanagement or possible misconduct within a federal agency.
Musk, who has served as the head of DOGE since early in Trump’s second term, has spearheaded efforts to eliminate wasteful spending, streamline agency workflows, and overhaul outdated government systems. The department has already shut down several underperforming programs and exposed questionable contracts in recent months.
Trump praised Musk’s leadership and made it clear he does not want him stepping away just yet. “He found something today that’s very serious, and we need him to finish what he started,” the president said, signaling that the billionaire entrepreneur’s role may be extended beyond its original scope.
Though the exact nature of the discovery remains classified, insiders within the administration hinted that it involves a legacy program from a previous administration, with potential financial irregularities or operational failures.
White House officials confirmed that Musk met privately with top national security and budget personnel shortly after the finding was reported. According to sources familiar with the matter, an internal task force has already been formed to conduct a follow-up review.
Musk has not publicly commented on whether he will remain in the position longer than planned, but earlier this week he posted cryptic remarks on social media alluding to “unfinished business” and “more rot to clear.”
With the Trump administration intensifying its focus on federal accountability and transparency, Musk’s continued involvement is being framed as critical to that effort. If he stays on, sources say, it may come with expanded authority to enforce reforms across multiple departments.
A formal update on the discovery is expected once the administration completes its initial review. In the meantime, officials say the matter is being treated with urgency and seriousness at the highest levels.