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In a gesture brimming with symbolism and political spectacle, US President Donald Trump handed tech millionaire Elon Musk a golden "Key to the White House" as a farewell gift, marking the end of Musk’s tenure at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, who headed the DOGE that was tasked with reducing government spending, officially resigned after 134 days. During the ceremony, Trump praised Musk’s contributions to the federal government, calling him “one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced.” “Elon gave an incredible service. There’s nobody like him, and he had to go through the slings and the arrows, which is a shame, because he’s an incredible patriot,” he added

Is the 'Key To The White House' Real?

The golden key, Trump said, is a “presentation from our country” and reserved for “very special people.” The key, encased in a wooden box and featuring traditional designs, is a ceremonial symbol of gratitude, friendship, and access, but not an actual item that will literally open the White House. Despite its title, the "Key to the White House" is no key at all but a symbolic award, a tradition similar to the "Key to the City" presented to those who have made outstanding contributions. In 2020, Trump gifted a similar token to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it “a key to our country and to our hearts.” At the time, Trump said it was “the first key I’m giving to anyone.”

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Speaking to the media after being presented with the gift, Musk referred to his departure from DOGE as "a scheduled conclusion" and highlighted the enduring impact of the task force he had helped to establish. "My service as a special government appointee necessarily came to an end. It was a finite position. But DOGE will only become more powerful, and its impact will endure well into the future." He assured the public that he would remain an informal advisor to Trump. “I expect to remain a friend and an adviser, and certainly, if there’s anything the president wants me to do, I’m at the president’s service,” he said. In addition to saying he would direct more of his energy toward his businesses. The billionaire, who gave close to 300 million USD in donations to Republican candidates in 2024, now announces he will reduce political donations.

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Despite Musk’s departure, Trump confirmed that the Department of Government Efficiency will continue its mission. “Most of those people are staying,” Trump said, referring to the DOGE staff. “You’re going to see the results coming long into the future.” The DOGE project, introduced earlier this year, was presented as a radical step towards streamlining federal systems and eliminating diplomatic inefficiencies. Under Musk, the department sent engineers and artificial intelligence tools to battle fraud, excessive expenditure, and antiquated processes across several government agencies.