The White House just made a very strange confession.
The White House clarified this week that Elon Musk is not officially a part of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), despite his role in leading significant cost-reduction initiatives. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is employed as a Senior Advisor to the President in the White House Office, a position that does not grant him formal authority over government operations or decisions.
Joshua Fisher, the director of the White House Office of Administration, confirmed in a court filing that Musk is not a part of the U.S. DOGE Service, nor does he hold the role of U.S. DOGE Service Administrator. This position, which would have made him responsible for leading the DOGE, was formally outlined in an executive order issued by President Trump last month.
Fisher emphasized that Musk’s role is purely advisory, stating that his position as a Senior Advisor to the President does not afford him greater authority than other senior White House advisors. While Musk may offer counsel to the President, he does not have the power to unilaterally make government decisions. His role is limited to advising and relaying the President’s directives.
The filing came in response to a lawsuit filed by 14 states, which challenged Musk’s influence in government affairs, arguing that his unconfirmed position violates the Constitution. The lawsuit claimed that Musk’s unprecedented power to alter government functions, including workforce reductions and the elimination of entire agencies, would have alarmed the nation’s founders. The states argue that no individual, other than the President, should hold such sweeping power without Senate confirmation.
Initially, the states sought to block Musk and DOGE from making changes to government contracts, personnel, and data systems. However, they later narrowed their request to prevent Musk and DOGE from accessing sensitive data or altering employee status, including firing or furloughing staff.
The Department of Justice has supported Musk’s position, arguing that the states are confusing influence with actual authority. The Trump administration asserted that being an advisor does not make someone an officer, even if their advice is heeded.