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Despite his close ties to the administration of US President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk did not get the office he wanted in the West Wing of the White House. His newly created Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE) will be located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is nearby, but not in the White House itself, The Times reports.
Decision of the administration
President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has made a decision that clearly indicates the White House’s position. According to her, the administration does not welcome “people who want to work independently or be a star”.
This move is a clear signal that the White House prefers teamwork, even when it comes to influential individuals like Musk.
Musk’s aspirations
Earlier it was reported that Elon Musk was actively looking for an office as close to the Oval Office as possible, apparently for closer cooperation with the presidential administration. However, Donald Trump made it clear earlier this week that this would not happen.
“No. He’s getting an office for about 20 people that we’re going to hire to make sure that those savings are realised,” Trump told reporters.
DOGE’s reaction and perspectives
The newly created department, headed by Musk, will develop and implement initiatives to improve the efficiency of government. While its location in the Eisenhower Executive Office rather than the West Wing may seem like a step backwards, the decision is likely intended to highlight the boundaries between political ambition and administrative work.
Elon Musk has not yet commented on this decision, but analysts suggest that its impact on key government processes will remain significant, even if the office is located a few steps from the main White House building.
This situation once again demonstrates that even for billionaires and allies of the president, getting closer to the highest levels of power has its limits.
