Billionaire Elon Musk says he will not step down from Donald Trump's advisory panel despite growing pressure.

The CEO of Tesla and Space X argued that 'engaging on critical issues' will 'serve the greater good' in a lengthy statement issued ahead of today's meeting at the White House.

It comes after Uber boss Travis Kalanic quit the council on Thursday after pressure from those who oppose Trump's immigration order.

Billionaire Elon Musk says he will not step down from Donald Trump's advisory panel despite pressure from protesters

In a statement shared on Twitter, Musk said he and others would be expressing their 'objections to the recent executive order on immigration'.

He wrote: 'In December, I agreed to join the Presidential Advisory forum to provide feedback on issues that I think are important for our country and the world.

'In tomorrow's meeting, I and others will express our objections to the recent executive order on immigration and offer suggestions for changes to the policy.'

'Advisory councils simply provide advice and attending does not mean that I agree with actions by the Administration.

Musk continued: 'I understand the perspective of those who object to my attending this meeting, but I believe at this time that engaging on critical issues will on balance serve the greater good.'

The tech billionaire is also on the council advising Trump on manufacturing growth and attended a meeting at the White House last week.

It comes after Uber boss Travis Kalanic announced he had quit the council on Thursday

Musk is also on the council advising Trump on manufacturing growth and attended a meeting at the White House last week

It was reported earlier this week that some Tesla customers have been cancelling their orders over Musk's decision to work with Trump.

Activists have also been taking to social media to call for Musk to quit his role in advising the President.

Yann LeCun, Director of AI Research at Facebook, also urged the Tesla CEO to quit on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kalanick explained his decision to quit the advisory council in an email to Uber employees.

He said: 'Earlier today I spoke briefly with the president about the immigration executive order and its issues for our community.

'I also let him know that I would not be able to participate on his economic council. Joining the group was not meant to be an endorsement of the president or his agenda but unfortunately it has been misinterpreted to be exactly that.'

Referring to Trump's controversial immigration ban, the Uber chief executive added: 'There are many ways we will continue to advocate for just change on immigration but staying on the council was going to get in the way of that.

'The executive order is hurting many people in communities all across America. Families are being separated, people are stranded overseas and there's a growing fear the U.S. is no longer a place that welcomes immigrants.'

'We will fight for the rights of immigrants in our communities so that each of us can be who we are with optimism and hope for the future.'