Trump says media cannot drive wedge between himself and Musk

Donald Trump mocked media portrayals of Elon Musk as holding real power in the White House, dismissing attempts to drive a wedge between them.

“They do it all the time,” Trump said in excerpts from a Fox News interview set to air Tuesday.

Mimicking a news anchor, Trump joked, “We have breaking news: Donald Trump has ceded control of the presidency to Elon Musk.” He continued with, “President Musk will be attending a cabinet meeting tonight.”

Trump, known for guarding his public image, has faced widespread speculation that Musk’s rising profile could lead to friction.

Musk, officially the head of the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), has wielded broad powers to cut jobs and spending.

Media jibes have included a Time magazine cover with Musk behind the Resolute Desk and a New Yorker illustration showing Musk and Trump jointly taking the presidential oath.

Despite the portrayal, Trump has publicly supported Musk’s efforts to reduce waste, calling it critical amid ballooning budget deficits.

In the Fox interview, Trump revealed that Musk called him about the media’s coverage. “He said, ‘You know, they're trying to drive us apart.’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’”

Trump claimed the media’s efforts to sow division had failed. “I used to think they were good at it. They’re actually bad at it, because if they were good at it, I’d never be president,” Trump said, adding, “The people are smart. They get it.”

Musk, who recently brought his son to an Oval Office appearance, has drawn greater media attention than Trump on occasion, prompting Democratic criticism.

Although opinion polls show Musk’s favorability ratings slipping, Trump has seen some of his highest approval numbers to date.