Trump asserts leadership, dismisses claims of Musk’s presidential influence
President-elect Donald Trump made it clear on Sunday that while Elon Musk plays a prominent role in his administration but he will not be the one calling the shots. In his first major speech since the November election at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Trump dismissed rumors of Musk taking a leadership role, laughing off suggestions that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO might be president.
"No, he’s not going to be president, that I can tell you," Trump said, responding to questions about Musk’s increasing influence. "And I’m safe. You know why? He can’t be. He wasn’t born in this country."
While praising Musk as a “great guy,” Trump clarified that Musk’s role would be in leading the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, an agency aimed at reducing the size of government and cutting spending. The comment came amid growing speculation over Musk’s political power, especially after his involvement in the recent chaos surrounding a government spending bill.
Musk, the world’s richest man, has increasingly flexed his political muscle, with reports of him funding over $260 million to support Republicans in the 2024 elections. He has also expressed plans to support moderate primary challengers to incumbent Democrats. His influence has led some Democrats to accuse him of undermining Trump’s leadership, with anti-Trump groups even humorously labeling Musk as the real power behind the presidency.
However, Trump’s team quickly dismissed these claims as “ridiculous.” Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, asserted, "President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop."
Trump’s remarks came after a tumultuous week in which Musk, along with Trump, intervened in negotiations over the House Republicans’ spending package, contributing to a chaotic process that ultimately resulted in a temporary stopgap measure to keep the government open. Some Republicans have even floated Musk as a potential candidate for Speaker of the House, a position that has become uncertain following Speaker Mike Johnson’s tenure.
Despite the controversy surrounding Musk’s influence, Trump’s speech largely focused on his political victories, including claims about winning the popular vote, praising his Cabinet picks, and outlining his goals for the upcoming term. He made bold promises, such as lowering taxes and rejecting the renaming of military bases, as part of his broader agenda to curb "woke" ideology.
As Musk continues to play a significant role in American politics, his growing involvement could raise questions about potential conflicts of interest in the Trump administration. With his massive financial backing, Musk’s influence within the GOP is poised to shape the future of both party and policy decisions.
