Trump on Musk: “I Wish Him Well — Hope He Does Well with Tesla”; Won’t Revoke WH Key: “No, I Don’t Take Things Back”; On DOGE: “It Helped Us a Lot — Many People Remain with Us, We Saved Hundreds of Billions”; On NYT Drug Article: “Sounded Very Unfair to Him”; “I’m Not Thinking About Elon” — Working on China, Russia, Iran

In June 2025, President Trump addressed multiple questions about Elon Musk in a single session, providing a comprehensive view of the evolving relationship. On canceling Musk’s government contracts: “Well, we’ll take a look at everything. He gets a lot of subsidy — only if it’s fair for him and for the country, but it has to be fair.” On reopening investigations: “I didn’t know that they had any. I would just let them speak for themselves. I have no idea whether or not they have investigations.” On concerns about Musk’s alleged drug use: “I don’t want to comment on that. I read an article in the NYT and, frankly, it sounded very unfair to him.” On whether he wanted to take back the White House key he’d given Musk: “No, I don’t take things back. I gave him a key because he tried very hard.” On Musk’s DOGE work: “Oh, I think it helped us a lot. It’s not finished at all. We’ve basically taken it over, and many people remain with us. We saved hundreds of billions of dollars.” On the White House Tesla: “I haven’t thought about it. I hope he does well with Tesla.” Asked if he’d heard from Musk: “Honestly, I’ve been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran. I’m not thinking about Elon. I just wish him well.” On reunification efforts: “I’ve been asked about it, but I’m not really interested in that. I’m really interested in the country and solving problems.”

Trump on Contract Review

A reporter asked about canceling Musk’s government contracts.

“And it could way to save money, be to cancel some of Musk’s contracts. How seriously are you considering that?” the reporter asked.

Trump’s response: “Well, we’ll take a look at everything. I’ll look at everything.”

He acknowledged the subsidies: “He’s got a lot of money. He gets a lot of subsidy, so we’ll take a look at that.”

He added the qualifier: “Only if it’s fair, only if it’s fair for him and for the country, I wouldn’t certainly think about it, yeah?”

He emphasized: “But it has to be fair.”

The Contract Review Framework

Trump’s approach was measured and professional.

What he didn’t do:

Commit to canceling contracts
Threaten revocation
Retaliate against Musk
Use contracts as weapon
Act impulsively

What he did:

Acknowledge he’d review
Emphasize fairness criterion
Noted bilateral interest
Maintained flexibility
Avoided personal animosity

Why this mattered:

Government contracts shouldn’t be politicized
Fair evaluation is the standard
Business decisions not personal vendettas
Good government practice
Maintains institutional integrity

The practical reality:

Some Musk contracts would continue
Some might be reviewed
Evaluation based on merits
National interest primary consideration
Not political retaliation

Reopening Investigations

Another reporter asked about company investigations.

“You consider reopening investigations into his companies?”

Trump’s response: “They know that they had any, but they had to…”

He continued: “I would just let them speak for themselves. I had no idea… excuse me, I have no idea whether or not they had the investigation.”

The Investigation Question

Trump’s response was notably cautious.

What reporter was asking:

Tesla had faced various regulatory investigations
SpaceX faced FAA issues
Other companies had various proceedings
Would Trump weaponize these?
Was personal conflict driving policy?

Trump’s answer:

Genuine uncertainty about status
No interference plans
Normal regulatory process
No political direction
Institutional respect

Why this was politically smart:

Avoided appearing vindictive
Preserved regulatory independence
Professional distance
Unlike Biden administration’s SpaceX investigations
Contrast with opponents’ behavior

”I’m Not Thinking About Elon”

A reporter pushed further on Musk.

“And what’s your view on Elon Musk as of today? I mean, have you heard from him at all?” the reporter asked.

Trump’s characteristic response: “Honestly, I’ve been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran, working on so many…”

He delivered the key line: “I’m not thinking about Elon. You know, I just wish him well, you know.”

The “Not Thinking About Him” Framing

This was strategic political positioning.

What Trump achieved:

Minimized Musk’s political significance
Emphasized his own priorities
Denied emotional investment
Left door open for relationship
Professional detachment

The foreign policy priorities:

China: trade, Taiwan, security
Russia: Ukraine peace, sanctions
Iran: nuclear, regional security
Major geopolitical work
Genuine presidential priorities

The message to Musk:

Not obsessed with his opposition
Have bigger priorities
Not going to war over disagreement
Door remains open
Time heals

The message to audience:

Trump is focused on substance
Not distracted by personal drama
Presidential rather than petty
Major work continues
Coalition-building approach

The Survival Question

A reporter asked a substantive question.

“So, Elon, Mr Musk’s contracts, do you feel like the U.S. can survive without them? Obviously, you can trip too long when it comes to defense and space, and that relationship has been important for quite some time.”

Trump’s answer: “Yeah, I think so. The U.S. can survive without almost anybody.”

He paused, then added the zinger: “Except me."

"Except Me”

The “except me” line was classic Trump.

What it captured:

Self-confidence
Recognition of his unique role
Humor in serious context
Reality of executive power
Political leadership

The underlying truth:

Trump was unique political phenomenon
No other Republican could have won 2024
Built the coalition
Drove the agenda
Irreplaceable politically

The contrast with Musk:

Musk valuable but replaceable
Others can contribute similar value
Space industry has alternatives
Defense has alternatives
Presidential leadership doesn’t

The humor function:

Self-deprecating but confident
Broke serious tone
Made audience laugh
Defused tension
Trump at his best

The Drug Article Question

A reporter asked a sensitive question.

“Did you have any concerns about his drug use when he was working for you?”

Trump’s response was careful: “I don’t want to comment on his drug use. I don’t know what his status is.”

He added context: “I read an article in The New York Times. I thought it was, frankly, it sounded very unfair to him.”

The NYT Drug Article

The specific NYT article had been controversial.

What the article alleged:

Musk’s drug use
Ketamine usage
Various other substances
Personal behavior
During time working with Trump administration

Why Trump defended Musk:

NYT had previously attacked Trump with similar tactics
Pattern of manufactured concerns
Selective reporting
Political motivation clear
Journalistic malpractice suspected

Trump’s measured response:

Didn’t deny allegations (couldn’t know)
Didn’t attack Musk personally
Criticized the NYT article
Defended Musk’s general reputation
Showed loyalty even in conflict

Why this mattered:

Demonstrated Trump’s character
Even in disagreement, defended ally
Not vindictive
Recognized NYT pattern
Maintained some dignity in conflict

The Misspoken “Problem”

A reporter asked about Trump’s earlier “problem” comment.

“You said earlier today that Mr Musk had a problem. What did you mean by that? And did you misjudge him by bringing him…”

Trump pivoted: “I don’t want to talk about problems.”

He delivered his preferred framing: “I think that my… I think the United States had problems. And if you look at the numbers today, the numbers were unbelievable.”

The Economic Pivot

Trump skillfully pivoted from personal topics to economic success.

“The numbers were incredible. The numbers that came up today, the stock market went way up. The country is doing really well.”

He extended: “Almost, I think, in a very short period of time, you’re going to be saying, doing better than it’s ever done before.”

He cited specific data: “We have hundreds of plants coming in, plants. A lot of jobs are being created. That’s what happened this morning. You saw them jobs.”

He noted the quality: “And the nice part, they’re not government jobs. They’re jobs of people coming in and doing other things, including the leisure hotel and leisure. Good stuff.”

The Substantive Economic Success

Trump shifted the conversation to success.

“A lot of good things are happening with our country. We’re taking in billions of dollars of tariff money. The money is pouring in.”

He emphasized the growth potential: “And it hasn’t even started yet, really, relatively. We’re going to have a very successful country very soon. And very strong bill.”

The Pivot Strategy

Trump’s pivot demonstrated political skill.

Why the pivot worked:

Media focus on Musk distracted from accomplishments
Economic success was the real story
Voters cared about results
Trump could redirect narrative
Control of conversation

The key facts Trump cited:

Stock market up
Plants coming in (hundreds)
Jobs being created
Tariff money flowing
Private sector growth

The political effect:

Musk story minimized
Success story emphasized
Voters see positive news
Policy achievements highlighted
Media couldn’t sustain Musk focus

The White House Key

A reporter asked about the symbolic gift.

“Mr. President, you gave Elon Musk when he left the White House a key, symbolically, to the White House, to the administration in large. I think that’s what… Would you like him to give that back?”

Trump’s response: “No, I don’t take things that I don’t know. I gave him a key. He tried very hard with the Tesla.”

The Character Moment

Trump’s refusal to take back the key was character-revealing.

What this showed:

Not petty
Doesn’t reverse gestures
Honors commitments
Appreciates effort
Classy handling

The contrast with critics:

Democrats often retaliated over disagreements
Trump critics canceled personal relationships
Cancel culture common
Forgiveness rare
Trump’s approach different

The practical effect:

Preserves future relationship potential
Doesn’t burn bridges
Sends signal to other potential allies
Maintains dignity
Political capital preserved

Why “I don’t take things back”:

Signaled character trait
Not specific to Musk
Broader principle
Reliable ally characteristic
Presidential demeanor

DOGE Assessment

A reporter asked about DOGE’s effectiveness.

“How do you think his doge did at the end of the day with the savings?”

Trump’s enthusiastic response: “Oh, I think it helped us a lot. I think it helped our thinking.”

He extended: “And it’s not finished at all. We’re basically taking it over. We’re doing a job. Many of those people remain with us. And they’re going to remain with us. They’re very good.”

He delivered the numerical summary: “It’s terrific. We saved hundreds of billions of dollars. It’s terrific. And it’s going further.”

He offered measured perspective: “I mean, I’d give you the answer, actually, at the end of two years, because a lot of it is out into the future. But it was a big saving and a good mindset.”

The DOGE Legacy

Trump’s DOGE framing was significant.

What he acknowledged:

Musk’s contribution was valuable
Savings were substantial
Work continues
Personnel still in place
Legacy secured

What he emphasized:

Not finished (administration continues)
“We’ve basically taken it over”
Former Musk team integrated
Results building over time
Full accounting in 2 years

The political message:

DOGE success independent of Musk
Administration commitment continues
Personnel loyal to mission
Reform process institutionalized
Won’t be undone by Musk departure

The specific numbers:

“Hundreds of billions” saved
Going “further”
Two-year full accounting
Continued progress
Bigger picture emerging

The Tesla Question

A reporter asked about the White House Tesla.

“What do you do as a Tesla? Are you going to keep it or are you going to…”

Trump’s casual response: “I haven’t thought about it.”

He added: “I hope he does well with Tesla.”

The Specific Tesla Context

The “White House Tesla” referred to a specific vehicle.

The Tesla background:

White House had acquired Tesla during Musk’s DOGE service
Symbolic of Trump-Musk alliance
Pro-American electric vehicle
Visible presidential endorsement
Specific vehicle in fleet

Why the question mattered:

If Trump kept Tesla, normalcy maintained
If Trump disposed of it, feud signaled
Symbolic importance beyond practical value
Media would analyze either way
Statement opportunity

Trump’s “I haven’t thought about it”:

Minimized importance
Not obsessed with Musk details
Vehicle not priority
Practical rather than symbolic
Avoided making bigger story

The Reporters and Rumors

A reporter asked about outreach efforts.

“Do you have any plans to speak with Mr. Musk? This was one of your closest advisors for months.”

Trump’s direct response: “I don’t have any plans.”

He added context: “Somebody made a mistake. A lot of reporters have been calling me. I didn’t call any reporter. A lot of reporters, they asked me the same question. No, I’m not even thinking about that.”

The Reunification Rumors

A reporter asked about specific reunification efforts.

“There apparently were these efforts. This is what I read, to bring you guys, you and Elon back together. Those efforts are… Where are they…?”

Trump’s response: “There are efforts. I mean, I’ve been asked about it, but I’m not really interested in that.”

The “Not Really Interested” Framing

Trump’s lack of interest was strategic.

What he was signaling:

Not desperate for Musk reconciliation
Administration successful without him
Self-respect intact
Musk needed to come to him
Power dynamics clear

The negotiating leverage:

If Trump pursued reconciliation: weakness
If Musk pursued it: Trump can accept or decline
Position of strength
Let Musk reconsider
Natural outcome

The practical reality:

Third parties involved
Trump not leading efforts
Not personally engaged
Low priority
Business partners could facilitate

The Presidential Priorities

Trump redirected to actual priorities.

“I’m really interested in the country and solving problems, including war problems in very far away lands. A lot of people being killed.”

He pivoted to historical framing: “When I left, we had no problem. We didn’t have wars. We defeated ISIS 100%. Iran was broke. There was no Hamas problem. There was no Hezbollah problem.”

He extended: “Israel wouldn’t have happened, in other words. Russia, Ukraine wouldn’t have happened. We had no inflation.”

The Current Foreign Policy Success

Trump’s framing emphasized current success.

What he was claiming:

October 7 wouldn’t have occurred under his leadership
Russia wouldn’t have invaded Ukraine
ISIS defeated during his tenure
Iran was economically isolated
Hamas and Hezbollah contained

The historical record:

Trump did destroy ISIS territorial caliphate
Iran sanctions were maximum pressure
Abraham Accords produced stability
No major new wars during first term
Record generally supported claims

Why this mattered now:

Current wars (Ukraine, Gaza) under Trump’s watch to resolve
Iran nuclear crisis ongoing
Russia continuing aggression
Making progress but not complete
Serious presidential priorities

The Inflation Point

Trump concluded with economic point.

“And by the way, we have no inflation now. And if we had a good Fed chairman, you would lower rates. And you know what? If inflation happened in a year from now, we’re two years, let them raise rates.”

The Fed Rate Debate

Trump consistently pushed Fed chair Powell on rates.

Trump’s argument:

Inflation is low now
Fed should cut rates
Higher rates unnecessarily restrict economy
Powell too cautious
Rates could rise if needed later

Powell’s position:

Maintain rates steady
Wait for clearer inflation trajectory
Err on the side of caution
Independence from political pressure
Data-dependent approach

The fundamental tension:

Trump wanted growth maximization
Powell wanted inflation control
Different time horizons
Different risk tolerances
Political vs. technocratic frames

The ongoing Fed rate dispute was an important part of Trump’s economic management challenges.

Key Takeaways

Trump on canceling Musk’s contracts: “We’ll take a look. Only if it’s fair for him and for the country.”
Trump won’t take back WH key: “No, I don’t take things back. I gave him a key because he tried very hard.”
On Musk’s DOGE work: “Helped us a lot. We saved hundreds of billions of dollars. Not finished, we’ve basically taken it over.”
On NYT drug article: “Sounded very unfair to him.”
Trump’s pivot: “I’m not thinking about Elon. I’m really interested in the country and solving problems.”