Donald Trump and Elon Musk: a powerful pair, right? The tech mogul has bankrolled Trump’s 2024 campaign with a jaw-dropping $250 million. But there’s one catch—Trump is starting to get fed up with Musk’s omnipresence. Sources reveal that the former president has privately complained about Musk’s constant proximity, making his presence a bit too much for Trump to handle.
Haberman spills the tea
This revelation came from Maggie Haberman, a reporter with The New York Times. During a podcast appearance on On with Kara Swisher, she spilled the tea. She wasn’t shocked by Musk’s rise in politics, especially since Trump associates wealth with intelligence. Musk’s deep pockets made them an instant bromance duo. But Haberman added that Musk hasn’t yet realized that Trump is a “one-ring circus,” meaning he loves to be the center of attention.
Trump’s complaints about Musk’s constant presence
Trump, however, has been making it clear that Musk is overstepping. He’s reportedly vented to insiders about Musk’s relentless presence in his world. “Musk is around a lot,” Haberman said, adding that Trump was annoyed by it. According to her, Musk’s frequent visits aren’t just casual meet-ups. He’s been hanging out at a luxury cottage near Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida base, paying over $2,000 a night for the privilege.
Musk’s proximity: a stone’s throw from Trump’s residence
The insider trio, Haberman, Jonathan Swan, and Ryan Mac, confirmed that Musk has set up camp at the Banyan Cottage, only a stone’s throw from Trump’s mansion. Musk’s role? He’s not just sitting around. He’s been sitting in on calls with foreign leaders and joining critical meetings related to Trump’s administration.
Is Musk moving in? Not quite
But it gets even more personal. Musk has “really parked himself in Trump’s face,” Haberman quipped. It’s almost as if Musk won’t leave Trump’s side. Despite the joking tone, the underlying message is clear—Musk’s influence is pervasive, and Trump’s patience might be wearing thin. Haberman humorously added that Musk probably won’t be moving into the Lincoln Bedroom anytime soon.
Trump’s bold move: Musk in his administration
It doesn’t stop there. Trump, who’s all about taking control, has made a bold move by offering Musk a role in his administration. In November, he announced plans to name Musk as co-director of the Department of Government Efficiency, a position that promises to cut out government waste. But will Musk’s presence remain in the White House? Haberman doubts it. She doesn’t expect Musk to have an office on White House grounds. After all, even though Musk has been a major backer, his level of involvement still remains under scrutiny.
Musk’s role in Trump’s campaign: more than just money
Musk’s involvement with Trump didn’t stop with financial support. He used his platform, X (formerly Twitter), to rally behind the former president. This sparked widespread concern, especially among Democrats, who feared Musk’s influence could tilt the 2024 race in Trump’s favor. As a result, Musk was even dubbed “President Musk” on social media. But for Trump, that nickname hit a nerve.
“President Musk” – a title Trump can’t Stand
Haberman confirmed that the “President Musk” title was a sore spot for Trump. “It definitely bothers him,” she said. Trump doesn’t take kindly to being overshadowed, and the thought of Musk being a bigger name was a slap in the face. The former president, known for his massive ego, didn’t take kindly to the idea of sharing the spotlight. He even called the “President Musk” narrative a “hoax,” brushing off any suggestion that Musk was outshining him.
The struggle for control
So, what’s going on here? Musk’s financial backing has been crucial for Trump’s campaign, but it’s clear that the tech mogul’s frequent appearances are starting to wear thin. Trump, who thrives on control, doesn’t take kindly to anyone, even a billionaire, who might steal his thunder. Musk’s increasing visibility in Trump’s world seems to be making the former president uncomfortable. With Trump already battling to retain his power and relevance, the idea of Musk being too close for comfort is not sitting well.
Can Trump keep Musk in check?
Musk, on the other hand, has been playing his cards carefully. He’s close to Trump, but his political ambitions are also growing. The tension between the two is palpable. Will Musk become the puppet master, or will Trump find a way to pull the strings back in his favor? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—Musk’s role in the 2024 campaign is far from over.
What this means for Trump’s 2024 chances
What does this mean for Trump’s chances in 2024? The answer may lie in how well he manages Musk’s growing presence. If Trump can rein in Musk’s influence without pushing him away, he might just maintain the upper hand. But if Musk continues to encroach on Trump’s territory, things could get messy.
The battle of egos: who will win?
In the end, Trump is a man who craves the spotlight. He’s used to being the center of attention, and Musk’s looming presence might be too much for him to handle. The battle of egos is just beginning, and it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
Will Musk stay, or will Trump take control?
For now, the story remains the same: Trump and Musk are allies, but their relationship may be on the rocks. Will Trump manage to regain control, or is Musk here to stay? Keep watching, because this drama is far from over.
