Elon Musk Claims to Be White House Technical Supporter

Billionaire Elon Musk changed his profile on X on February 6, adding the job title "White House Technical Supporter" to the job description, referring to his new role as head of the Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE) established by US President Donald Trump.

In an executive order signed on January 20, Mr. Trump declared DOGE an organization within the executive branch, instead of just an advisory role outside the government as originally announced in November 2024. "DOGE aims to modernize federal software and technology, maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the government," the order reads.

DOGE's responsibilities also include implementing the Software Modernization Initiative to "improve the quality and efficiency of the U.S. government's software, network infrastructure, and information technology systems." The order also grants DOGE access to all non-classified data, software, and technology equipment of government agencies."

Billionaire Elon Musk. Photo: Reuters

President Trump also renamed the United States Digital Service (USDS) to the DOGE Agency, moving the agency from the White House Office of Management and Budget to the Executive Office of the President to report directly to him. However, the order does not mention Musk as the leader of DOGE, only saying that he will be appointed later.

Each federal agency is required to establish a 'DOGE Team,' in consultation with the DOGE Agency, with its own staff, lawyers, and resources to implement the efficiency enhancement initiative.

Elon Musk has changed his profile and nickname on X several times in the past. He once called himself "Technoking" after announcing his title as "Technoking at Tesla" in a 2021 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Musk also adopted the name "Mr. Twitter" after a lawyer mistakenly called him during a securities fraud trial in 2018. After buying Twitter in 2022, Elon Musk changed his profile to "Chief Twit".

Isabella Humphrey

Update 10 February 2025