Trump once complained to people that Elon Musk was around too much

Reports suggest that former President Donald Trump has been privately expressing annoyance over Elon Musk’s frequent presence in his orbit.

According to Maggie Haberman of The New York Times, Trump has been vocal about the tech billionaire’s proximity to him, particularly as Musk appears to embed himself deeper into Trump’s inner circle. Haberman shared these observations during an episode of the “On with Kara Swisher” podcast, shedding light on the peculiar dynamics between the two prominent figures.

Haberman revealed that Musk has been staying at a cottage on the grounds of Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private estate in Florida. This close physical presence has reportedly contributed to Trump’s unease, even as Musk maintains a steadfast public allegiance to the former president.

Musk’s support for Trump has been evident in several ways, including public endorsements and his role in America PAC, a pro-Trump super PAC he helped establish. Musk also made high-profile appearances at Trump’s rallies, bolstering the president-elect's campaign during pivotal moments.

Despite Musk’s overt support, Haberman noted Trump’s apparent discomfort with the tech mogul’s persistent presence.

“Trump does complain a bit to people about how Musk is around a lot,” Haberman said, adding that Musk’s eagerness to remain close to Trump could signal his desire for influence as Trump transitions back into political leadership. “He really parked himself in Trump’s face,” she remarked, highlighting Musk’s unrelenting proximity.

The relationship between Musk and Trump raises questions about the future dynamic between the two as Trump continues to shape his administration. In November, Trump announced plans for a new initiative, the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), aimed at reducing bureaucratic waste and overhauling federal agencies.

Musk, alongside former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, was tapped to spearhead this ambitious project. Trump described DOGE as a transformative effort, comparing its significance to that of the Manhattan Project.

According to Trump, the initiative is designed to streamline government operations by offering advice and guidance from individuals outside the traditional bureaucratic framework. DOGE would collaborate closely with the White House Office of Management and Budget to achieve its goals.

Trump’s vision for this department appears to align with longstanding Republican aspirations for reducing government inefficiency. “Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of DOGE for a very long time,” Trump said during his announcement.

While Musk’s involvement in DOGE underscores his alignment with Trump’s policy objectives, it also highlights his potential aspirations to exert influence within the administration. Haberman speculated that Musk’s close association with Trump could extend further. 

However, she dismissed the idea of Musk moving into the White House, quipping, “I don’t believe Musk will move into the Lincoln Bedroom, but I do think he’s going to try to have as much proximity to Trump as possible.”

The implications of Musk’s involvement with Trump’s administration remain uncertain.

While some view Musk’s partnership as a strategic alliance aimed at fostering innovation and efficiency, others see it as an opportunistic maneuver to wield power within the federal government. The juxtaposition of Trump’s reported complaints with Musk’s unwavering support paints a complicated picture of their relationship.

The former president’s reliance on Musk’s expertise and resources suggests a level of mutual benefit, but it also underscores a potential power struggle behind the scenes. Musk’s penchant for making bold moves and his history of disrupting traditional industries could align with Trump’s unconventional approach to governance.

At the same time, Trump’s apparent irritation with Musk’s proximity raises questions about how their partnership will evolve in the long term.

Representatives for Tesla and Trump’s transition team have yet to comment on the reported tensions. As Trump’s administration takes shape and Musk’s role becomes more defined, the interplay between the two figures will likely continue to draw scrutiny.

The situation underscores the broader complexities of Trump’s approach to building his administration. Balancing loyalty, expertise, and influence among his inner circle has always been a hallmark of Trump’s leadership style, and Musk’s involvement is no exception.

Whether this relationship proves to be a fruitful partnership or a source of ongoing friction remains to be seen, but it is clear that Musk’s presence will continue to be a significant factor in Trump’s political narrative moving forward.