Donald Trump Jokes About Elon Musk: 'I Can't Get Him Out of Here'

During a speech at a black-tie event at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump joked that he couldn’t get Elon Musk "out of here," reflecting the growing influence of the tech mogul in his circle.

In his first major address since his victory in the presidential election, Trump praised Musk’s "high IQ" and achievements. Speaking at the America First Policy Institute gala in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump highlighted Musk’s dual success as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, as well as his ownership of X (formerly Twitter). 

Musk’s presence around Trump has become more prominent, including reportedly joining a call between the president-elect and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On Election Day, Musk spent time at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and has been a frequent visitor ever since, with some reports suggesting he’s almost always at the Palm Beach resort.

Trump has also enlisted Musk, alongside former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, to head the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The department’s goal is to "dismantle" federal bureaucracy and reduce staffing. The name "DOGE" is a nod to Musk’s favorite cryptocurrency, Dogecoin.

"We have a man who has a seriously high IQ," Trump remarked. "You know, I’m someone who believes in high IQs, and his is about as high as they get." He went on to praise Musk’s work ethic, noting how Musk not only launched a rocket recently but also took time to campaign in Pennsylvania, deeming it more important than overseeing billion-dollar rocket launches. "What a job he does, and he happens to be a really good guy," Trump added. "He likes this place. I can’t get him out of here. He just likes it here. And you know what? I like having him here too."

Trump joked further about Musk’s multiple roles, saying, "I asked him what he does best, and we couldn’t figure it out."

Trump’s announcement of Musk and Ramaswamy leading the new department came on November 12. The department’s purpose, according to Trump, will be to reduce government waste and regulations, and overhaul federal agencies. 

Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told *Newsweek*: "Elon Musk and President Trump are strong allies and visionary leaders committed to making America great again. Musk's unique business acumen makes him a once-in-a-generation leader, and his innovative ideas and efficiency will greatly benefit our federal government."

Earlier this week, Trump had made a similar remark about Musk while speaking to House Republicans. "Elon won’t go home. I can’t get rid of him, at least until I don’t like him," he quipped.

Musk also spoke at the America First Policy Institute gala, where he spoke about the upcoming Republican administration. "It’s not going to be business as usual. We’re going to shake things up. This is going to be a revolution," Musk declared.

Trump’s other cabinet picks include Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general.