On the 30th (local time), US President Donald Trump hands a 'golden key' to Elon Musk during a press conference held in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington D.C. /Courtesy of EPA

U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Tesla, who has acted as one of his closest aides, have put an end to their official collaboration in the White House that has lasted for about four months.

On the 30th (local time), President Trump held an informal press conference in the Oval Office to honor Musk, who has acted as the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This event was organized as a milestone to mark Musk's conclusion of his 'special government official' duties related to DOGE and his return to focusing on corporations.

In the presence of reporters, President Trump expressed his gratitude, stating, 'Elon, thank you,' listing the restructuring of the federal government led by Musk and the abolishment of government projects related to DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) as notable achievements.

He then presented Musk with a 'golden key.' The key, depicted in a case with the White House engraved on it, appeared to symbolize his access to the White House at any time.

In response, Musk stated, 'The influence of DOGE will become stronger,' adding, 'As any Buddhist would suggest, (DOGE will) permeate throughout the government,' and remarked that DOGE will someday reduce waste of $1 trillion (approximately 1,400 trillion won).

He expressed his intention to frequently visit the White House and be a friend and advisor to President Trump, stating, 'I hope to provide advice whenever the president wants.'

In response, President Trump said, 'I hope so,' adding, 'It seems like he will be coming and going (to the White House).'

With a bruise on his eye, Musk attended the event and, in response to a reporter’s question, said, 'We are far from France,' jokingly recalling the moment when Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, recently hit President Emmanuel Macron's face on the presidential plane.

Later, while playing with his five-year-old son, 'X,' he described a moment when his son hit his own face, saying it was an injury.

When asked which was more challenging between his dream of building a 'Mars colony' and government efficiency, Musk replied, 'It’s a hard question to answer.'

When questioned regarding a New York Times report that he took more drugs than previously known while supporting President Trump's campaign last year, Musk responded by undermining the credibility of the NYT.

He then asked, 'Are you referring to that New York Times that reported on the 'Russia Gate'?' He stated that the NYT's reports on Russia Gate were proven to be false, adding, 'Let’s move on to another question.'

During the last election campaign, Musk actively campaigned in battleground states such as Pennsylvania while also donating a large sum to the Trump campaign, which led him to be recognized as a major contributor to Trump’s victory.

After the election, Musk nearly resided at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where the transition team was established, emerging as a key ally. After Trump’s second term began, he faithfully executed President Trump’s goal of reducing federal government expenditures and restructuring progressive initiatives within the government.

However, among those who criticize President Trump, he was seen as the second-in-command of the administration and treated as 'public,' facing a decline in Tesla's stock price and attacks on Tesla stores, vehicle arson, and boycotts due to the criticism.

Considering President Trump's tendency not to keep individuals who overshadow him or are seen as more powerful, as well as those who challenge him, some evaluate Musk’s timely departure from the White House as 'a graceful exit.'

Musk has expressed his objections to President Trump's tariff drive and, on the 27th, commented on the tax cut and budget-related bills that Trump is focused on, referring to them as 'massive expenditure bills that will increase the deficit.'