Public statements by Donald Trump or credible news reports

Trump Rejects 'President Musk' Claims, Highlights Musk's South African Birth as Constitutional Barrier

Dec 23, 2024, 07:32 AM

President-elect Donald Trump addressed claims that he has ceded the presidency to Elon Musk, dismissing them as a 'hoax' during a speech at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona. Trump emphasized that Musk, who was born in South Africa, cannot become president due to U.S. constitutional requirements for natural-born citizenship. He praised Musk's intelligence and contributions, particularly in the context of the Department of Government Efficiency, but firmly stated that Musk 'is not going to be president.' Trump's comments come amid criticism from Democrats and some Republicans about Musk's growing influence in Washington, especially after Musk's role in opposing a bipartisan spending bill.