Trump rejects “President Musk” allegations at Phoenix event

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump dismissed allegations that Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, wields undue influence over his administration, calling the claims a “hoax” during a speech at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest event on Sunday.

The controversy follows Musk’s prominent role in blocking a Congressional budget bill last week, which narrowly averted a government shutdown. Critics from both parties have questioned Musk’s growing involvement in policy matters, fueled by his appointment as head of the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a presidential advisory commission focused on reducing federal spending.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump firmly rejected the notion that Musk had assumed outsized authority within his administration. “No, he’s not going to be president,” Trump said to cheers. “You know why he can’t be? He wasn’t born in this country.”

Musk, born in South Africa, is constitutionally barred from serving as U.S. president, a point Trump underscored to dispel rumors.

Musk’s direct involvement in derailing the emergency budget measure has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who argue his influence in Washington is overreaching. Trump, however, defended the collaboration, emphasizing shared goals of fiscal responsibility and efficiency.

The president-elect praised Musk’s leadership in the advisory commission, positioning the move as part of his broader plan to overhaul federal spending. “He’s not a politician, but he knows how to get results,” Trump added.