WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump on Dec 22 rejected speculation that Elon Musk could overshadow his leadership, amid growing scrutiny over the billionaire’s influence in Trump’s incoming administration.
“No, he’s not taking the presidency,” Trump told a conservative audience in Phoenix, responding to concerns about Musk’s outsized role. “The new hoax is that President Trump has ceded the presidency to Elon Musk. No, that’s not happening.”
Musk’s Role in Trump’s Administration
Trump has appointed Musk to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, an informal advisory group tasked with cutting costs and deregulating government operations. Operating out of the Washington offices of SpaceX and managed via Musk’s social media platform, X, the initiative has already drawn criticism for potential conflicts of interest.
Musk’s companies—including Tesla, SpaceX, and satellite firm Starlink—are regulated by the federal government and benefit from substantial federal contracts, raising ethical concerns about his dual role as both a beneficiary and a policy influencer.
Political Impact and Fundraising Power
The South Africa-born billionaire has also played a prominent political role. Musk was a vocal critic of a recent budget compromise in Congress, spreading misleading claims on X that contributed to its collapse. The budget was later replaced by a scaled-back version to avert a government shutdown.
Musk’s financial backing during the election was equally significant. He donated $238.5 million to a pro-Trump political action committee, making him the largest single donor in the 2024 race. Trump credited Musk with helping secure the critical swing state of Pennsylvania.
Trump: Musk Is “Not Going to Be President”
While praising Musk’s technological expertise and value to his administration, Trump dismissed the notion of Musk holding the presidency. “Isn’t it nice to have smart people we can rely on? Don’t we want that?” Trump said at a Turning Point USA event.
He added with a laugh, “But no, he’s not going to be president. That I can tell you. And I’m safe. You know why? He can’t be. He wasn’t born in this country.”
The remarks underscore the delicate balance Trump faces as he seeks to leverage Musk’s popularity and expertise while addressing concerns about the billionaire’s influence on the federal government.