Donald Trump has rubbished social media speculation that Elon Musk is gunning for his position as US President in a clip that has recently resurfaced. The controversial statesman even made a shady quip about his right-hand man not being born in America.
Elon – who emigrated from South Africa to Canada and later the US – heads up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration.
The 53-year-old is the world’s richest man and an astute businessman like the president.
DONALD TRUMP: ‘ELON MUSK WASN’T BORN HERE’
On social media, Elon Musk has had the public somewhat amused and even concerned about his power and influence at the White House. This includes his unhinged commentary on his X account, a social media platform he owns.
Americans, in particular, are also concerned about Elon’s access to the Treasury Department, meddling in foreign policy and cutting humanitarian aid.
However, a clip of Donald Trump rubbishing the perception that Elon holds immeasurable power over him has recently come to light.
Speaking at an Arizona rally in December, he said: “No, he is not taking the presidency. I like having smart people [around me].
Seemingly throwing shade, he continued: “The new hoax is that ‘President Trump has ceded the presidency to Elon Musk. No, no…that’s not happening.
“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. Hahaha…”
According to the US Congress, only natural-born citizens are eligible for the Office of President. Elon became a naturalised US citizen in 2002.
HIS WIFE WASN’T EITHER
While Elon Musk is not a US-born citizen, neither is Donald Trump’s wife, Melania.
The Slovenian-born model is the second non-US woman to become a First Lady.The first was a British woman, Louisa Adams, who was the wife of US President John Quincy Adams during his term between 1825 and 1829.
However, Melania is the first First Lady to become a naturalised citizen.
NOT A ‘HOSTILE TAKEOVER’
Appearing alongside his four-year-old son, Little X, Elon Musk addressed the media in the Oval Office this week alongside Donald Trump.
Elon – who was appointed and not elected into office – denied claims he was behind a “hostile takeover” of the White House.
He said: “The public voted for major government reform… and they’re going to get what they voted for. And that’s what democracy is all about”.
Defending the DOGE, he added: “We have this unelected, fourth unconstitutional branch of government, which is the bureaucracy, which has, in a lot of ways, currently more power than any elected representative.”
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