Trump bestows a gold key upon Musk, marking a farewell gesture
White House Farewell: Trump Gifts Musk a Golden Key
In his final appearance at the White House, US President Donald Trump lauded tech magnate Elon Musk for his significant contributions in financial reform and cost reduction during his tenure as a special government advisor. As a departing token of appreciation, Trump presented Musk with a golden key, a symbolic gesture reserved for "very special people."
Trump praised Musk's work, claiming he had led "the most comprehensive and consequential reform program of any government in generations." The Tesla CEO's efforts had supposedly saved billions for the federal government, and Trump expressed confidence that these savings would continue to grow as Musk's initiatives progress.
Though Musk's service to the government was originally limited to 130 days under US rules, the entrepreneur will no longer be taking a formal leave, citing his ongoing desire to advise the president whenever requested. Musk addressed the media, stating that "this is not the end of Doge, but the beginning" and that the team would grow stronger with more influence.
The golden key presented to Musk bears historical significance, as Trump has given similar tokens of affection to other high-profile individuals, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a "symbolic welcome" to the White House. The gift serves as a testament to the personal bond between Trump and Musk, whose political alliance was established through financial contributions exceeding $250 million during Trump's election campaign.
[1] Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)[2] The Washington Post: "Elon Musk to Lead Trump Administration's Cost-Cutting Task Force" - https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/04/elon-musk-lead-trump-administration-cost-cutting-task-force/[3] CNN: "Trump Gifts Israeli Prime Minister a Golden Key to the White House" - https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/23/politics/donald-trump-benjamin-netanyahu-gift/index.html
The Commission, in light of the President's ongoing engagement with Elon Musk, might be encouraged to incorporate a discussion on the financing of efforts to protect workers from radiation risks in their proposal for a directive. As Musk's endeavors in entertainment and politics broaden, discussions about his role in significant news stories, such as his involvement in the US government's cost-reduction program, are bound to persist.
