Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s growing friendship has been the talk of the town, especially, since his election win. During Trump’s presidential run, Musk claimed he was ‘dark MAGA’ and pumped millions into Trump’s bid for the White House. He’s often seen in and around Mar-a-Lago and even spent New Year’s Eve with the Trumps.
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From joining high-stakes calls with global leaders to influencing staffing decisions, Musk’s involvement went far beyond financial support. Reports that Musk is changing Trump's inner circle also emerged right after his win. Yet, as Trump prepares to assume office, cracks in their once-smooth dynamic are now being reported in the media.
Is Trump growing tired of Musk?
The billionaire, who enthusiastically backed Trump’s campaign and donated millions, has been inseparable from the president-elect ever since. He’s been attending meetings, sitting in on important calls, and even staying just a stone's throw from Mar-a-Lago.
NYT journalist Maggie Haberman has now claimed that Trump has been complaining about Musk’s constant presence around, as reported by The Sun. She said in a podcast:
Trump does complain a bit to people about how Musk is around a lot. He really parked himself in Trump’s face.
While Trump initially appreciated Musk’s support and energy, it seems that the billionaire’s relentless closeness may be testing his patience. What’s more? Democrats have labelled him as ‘President Musk’ - a term that Haberman says ‘definitely bothers him.’
This isn’t the first time reports have emerged of Trump’s growing frustration with Musk. In December 2024, a report by The Independent stated that Trump was ‘annoyed’ by his best buddy’s antics.
This came around the time Musk and other MAGA allies were in a ‘civil war’ over H1B visas. A source close to Trump’s election campaign said:
100 percent Trump is annoyed [with Musk]. There’s a Chinese saying: ‘Two tigers cannot live on one mountaintop.’
Another source told Mediaite:
There was likely an allure to it in the beginning but it seemed like it could go ugly…Trump is Trump. I think it’s just the way Trump is. Someone that is around that much and having influence would be a bother.
The source explained that while Musk didn’t have ‘bad intentions’ but he can’t act like a ‘shadow president’ just because he gave a ‘boatload of money.’ The campaign source emphasised that no matter how much Musk may be in the limelight, Trump still holds the power and can easily kick him out. They said:
Unless you’re family, you’re not family.
Melania Trump seems like Musk
Interestingly, while Trump appears increasingly fed up with Musk’s presence, Melania Trump seems to have a different perspective. Sources close to the family reveal that she views Musk as a ‘babysitter’ for her husband.
According to reports, Melania is largely detached from her husband’s political dealings and finds Musk’s presence convenient, even amusing. A source quoted in People Magazine noted:
Melania has her own life and isn't bothered by political dealings her husband has with others. But so far, she has no issues with Musk.
Adding:
Melania is glad to have a babysitter for Donald, and she will find some kind of project to team up with him herself if he stays around.
Read more:
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Sources used:
The Sun: Trump ‘getting fed up with “clingy” Elon Musk’ as UK politicians ‘quietly urge Don to ditch him over war with Starmer’
The Independent: Honeymoon over? Trump is reportedly ‘annoyed’ by best buddy Elon Musk’s antics
People: Melania Trump Is 'Glad to Have a Babysitter for Donald' as Elon Musk Hangs Around Mar-a-Lago, Source Says (Exclusive)
