Donald Trump Jokes He 'Can't Get Rid' of Elon Musk Amid Growing Influence
President-elect Donald Trump , addressing House Republican leaders at a Washington hotel on Wednesday, quipped that he "can't get rid of" Elon Musk , perhaps his most influential advisor during the presidential campaign.
"Elon won't go home. I can't get rid of him—at least until I don't like him," Trump joked, acknowledging Musk's growing presence in his inner circle.
The Tesla CEO, a frequent face alongside Trump in recent weeks, arrived at the GOP conference in Washington just as Trump was entering to address the leaders. According to the Associated Press, Musk received three standing ovations and was warmly approached by numerous lawmakers.
"He's a bright light in any room he's in," said Rep. Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican, describing Musk as "a commanding presence" during the meeting.
Trump and Musk flew in together from Florida and landed at Joint Base Andrews near the Capitol early Wednesday. The GOP conference preceded Trump's White House meeting with President Joe Biden .
Musk, the world's richest person, has taken on an extraordinary unofficial role in Trump's transition process. His involvement has drawn notice, especially at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, where Musk and his son, X, stayed until today following Trump's election win.
Last night, Trump announced that Musk would co-lead a "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) alongside former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy , which is not, despite the name, a government agency but instead an outside agency to offer the White House "advice and guidance."
The announcement came as no surprise to those closely following the campaign, with Trump and Musk hinting at this move for weeks. However, recent reports in national media suggest that Musk's growing influence has surprised "Trumpworld," with some questioning if this level of involvement is even allowed, according to Politico Playbook.
Some have also felt Musk has overstayed his welcome at the Palm Beach resort, according to sources consulted by NBC News and The New York Times .
"He's behaving as if he's a co-president and making sure everyone knows it," one of the sources told NBC News.
"And he's sure taking lots of credit for the president's victory. Bragging about America PAC and X to anyone who will listen. He's trying to make President Trump feel indebted to him. And the president is indebted to no one," the source added.
In an emailed statement to Newsweek on Wednesday, Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, "Elon Musk and President Trump are strong allies and visionary leaders, committed to Making America Great Again. Musk's unique business acumen makes him a once-in-a-generation leader, and his innovative ideas and efficiency will greatly benefit our federal government."
During his week-long stay at Mar-a-Lago, Musk has bonded with the president-elect's family, posing for photos and playing golf, while also joining calls with foreign leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky . He is also scheduled to meet Argentina's President Javier Milei at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday.
Although the president-elect has often said that Musk likely won't take on a full-time position due to his other commitments, Musk—who once vowed to stay out of politics—appears to be enjoying his new role.
