People are curious about Elon Musk’s actual compensation for his government position as he embraces his new job as Head of DOGE and Trump’s administration.
In addition to being the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Elon Musk also owns X, posts almost constantly, and has landed a position in the US government. We can confidently assert that Musk maintains a diverse range of interests.
President Donald Trump’s self-described “First Buddy” accompanied him on the campaign trail. Given his increased riches after the election, this is a profitable move and a significant departure from the two men previously at each other’s throats.
As the head of the recently established Department of Government Efficiency, Musk finds himself in a new position of authority, despite the belief held by some that it is all a show for the cameras and will soon come crashing down.
Despite acknowledging the likely impossibility of cutting $2 trillion in federal spending, the tech mogul is actively making cuts. Musk has stated that USAid is “beyond repair,” and it already appears that the National Space Council has been let go.
How much is Elon Musk being paid as Head of DOGE?
With all of the work currently in progress, you may be wondering how much Musk is being paid for the new role.
Musk does not appear to be receiving any compensation for his role as head of the DOGE, even if he does not need the money.
According to CNN, he is regarded as a “special government employee,” which means he does not receive a salary. He is not regarded as a full-time federal employee, but he is also not a volunteer. Musk reportedly has a “top secret security clearance,” despite the fact that a person connected to the site claimed he is not compensated.
Trump has already controversially confirmed that Musk’s team has been granted access to the Treasury Department’s critical payment system, explaining, “Elon can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval. And we’ll give him the approval where appropriate. Where not appropriate, we won’t.”
Concerns regarding a possible conflict of interest are also raised by the fact that Musk’s SpaceX has received billions of dollars in federal funding. According to a federal conflict-of-interest law, Musk is prohibited from participating in activities that would further their financial interests.
Kathleen Clark, a Washington University law professor who specializes in government ethics, told the site, “We are relying on the Justice Department for enforcement of the financial conflict-of-interest standards against Elon Musk and everyone else.”
“There is a reason to doubt that the Trump Justice Department will enforce any statutes, including criminal statutes, against a Trump ally.”
It’s hardly shocking to learn that Musk isn’t getting paid for his work at DOGE, especially since he told applicants that they wouldn’t be compensated either.
Musk likely won’t be held to all government stipulations, as it’s currently unclear whether he’ll have to file a public financial disclosure. A DOJ summary referring to special government employees states they “may be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of assuming your position.”
Regarding Musk’s financial interests, he may already be severely impacted. Ontario terminated a contract with Musk’s Starlink satellite broadband service after Trump announced a new 25% tax against Canada.
