Elon Musk dismissed a New York Times reporter's question during a White House press conference on Friday, citing the publication's coverage of Russia-gate and a Pulitzer Prize controversy.
When the reporter began asking about a Times report accusing Musk of "blurring the line between", Musk interrupted: "It's the New York Times. Is that the same publication? That got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russia-gate?"
Turning to President Trump, Musk asked: "Is it the same organisation?" Trump, smiling, replied: "I think it is."
Musk continued: "So I think the judge just ruled against the New York Times for their lies about the Russia-gate hoax, and that they might have to give back that Pulitzer Prize, that New York Times. Let's move on. Okay, then. Next question."
Elon Musk brutally shut down the reporter
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The exchange occurred during a joint press conference between President Trump and Musk at the White House, marking the Tesla chief executive's final day as leader of the Department of Government Efficiency.
The press conference represented the first public appearance of Trump and Musk together following the billionaire's announcement of his departure from the administration.
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During the event, which was live-streamed from the White House, Musk acknowledged dealing with "slings and arrows" during his tenure, noting that "some of the media organisations in this room were the slingers" when referring to criticism he faced whilst serving in his government role.
Musk announced his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency role on Wednesday via his social media platform X, stating that his "scheduled time as a Special Government Employee" had come to an end.
He thanked President Trump "for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending" whilst confirming that the "DOGE mission" would continue to operate despite his exit.The announcement followed Musk's recent criticism of Republican tax and budget legislation making its way through Congress on May 27.
In the past two weeks, Musk had also sworn off future political donations and criticised Trump's signature tax-and-spending-cut proposal, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill".
Tesla investors responded positively to news of Musk's departure from his government role, with the electric vehicle maker's stock rising by 2 per cent following the announcement.
Trump praised Musk as "terrific" during the press conference, suggesting their collaboration would continue despite the formal role ending.
"This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way. Elon is terrific! See you tomorrow at the White House," Trump had written on Truth Social when announcing the Friday event.
The President indicated that Musk would continue "helping" the US government, despite stepping down from his official position.
The President indicated that Musk would continue "helping" the US government
GETTYMusk had joined the Trump administration as leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, an external agency aimed at cutting costs in the US government.
The department, known by its acronym DOGE, was established to identify and eliminate wasteful spending across federal agencies.
As a Special Government Employee, Musk spearheaded the cost-cutting initiative whilst maintaining his roles as chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX.
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