Despite DOGE's work facing criticism and lawsuits, Musk has continued to defend its mission. He has said he plans to reduce the time he spends on DOGE and dedicate more energy to his companies, as Tesla's profits have plunged more than 70 percent since the start of the year.

The billionaire Tesla CEO discussed in a White House interview a wide-ranging set topics including reflecting on the last few months in Washington.

Elon Musk might soon be leaving Washington, but he says DOGE needs to be a long-term project. Musk insisted in a TV interview that the project to slash government spending and eliminate entire agencies ought to endure amid signs that he may soon step away from the effort and return to his struggling electric car company.