In Silicon Valley, you can call yourself whatever you want, but it's a little trickier in Washington. Here's what Trump's EO says about DOGE and Elon's role as a 'special government employee.'

"Who is this unelected billionaire that he can attempt to dismantle federal agencies," said Rep. Gerry Connolly.

Elon Musk will work under President Donald Trump as a “special government employee,” designating Musk as an unpaid employee of the federal government with fewer restrictions than full-time employees,

The White House said Elon Musk, the billionaire leading President Donald Trump’s government cost-cutting efforts, will determine if there are conflicts of interest between his work reviewing federal spending and his overlapping empire of six companies.

Billionaire Elon Musk will excuse himself from any conflicts of interest between his various business interests and his efforts to cut costs for the federal government, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday.

The Trump administration says Elon Musk can self-determine when DOGE's work presents a conflict of interest because of his many companies.

The White House is insisting that Elon Musk will recuse himself if he finds conflicts with his financial holdings during his efforts through the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk is set to step away from any potential conflicts of interest between his numerous business ventures and his endeavors to reduce federal government expenses, according to an announcement made by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday.