Recent reports suggest President-elect Donald Trump may be growing weary of the attention surrounding Elon Musk. However, a former Trump administration official has downplayed these claims, asserting a strong working relationship exists between the two.
Mediaite reported that sources close to Trump's transition team indicated the president-elect was annoyed by Musk's high profile. One insider even used a Chinese proverb likening the situation to "two tigers" on one mountaintop.
During a Fox News interview, correspondent Jonathan Hunt questioned Hogan Gidley, former White House deputy press secretary, about Trump’s alleged irritation with Musk's prominence. Gidley refuted the suggestion of discord.
Gidley emphasized that Trump, Musk, and others like Vivek Ramaswamy enjoy good relations, accusing the media of trying to "stir things up." He further highlighted that Musk is tasked with identifying government fraud, waste, and abuse, a role he is expected to fulfill effectively.
Trump has appointed Musk and Ramaswamy to lead an unofficial effort focused on cutting public spending, despite concerns over Musk’s influence. Gidley reinforced the notion of Trump as the leader, supported by a collaborative and friendly team.
Trump himself has previously dismissed "shadow president" accusations as a "hoax." These reports of friction have surfaced after Musk, who has spent heavily to support Trump's election, has been frequently seen with the president-elect since the election.
