The New York Times' Maggie Haberman said President-elect Trump has complained that tech billionaire Elon Musk is “frequently present.”
“Trump has been complaining a little bit to people about how things are around Musk,” Haberman said on Monday's episode of the podcast “On With Kara Swisher.” Highlighted by Mediaite.
“Privately, Musk, Jonathan Swan, and I recently informed Ryan Mack that Musk is staying at this cottage at Mar-a-Lago,” she added.
Muskie had been a strong supporter of Trump's presidential bid, supporting him in the wake of the president-elect's assassination attempt in July. He also appeared at Trump's rallies and launched America PAC, a pro-Trump super PAC.
“So he really put himself in Trump's face,” Haberman said in a podcast appearance. “But Kara, I don't know what that's going to be like if Trump becomes president.”
In November, President Trump announced that Musk and a former Republican will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to “cut excessive regulation and cut wasteful spending” and reorganize federal agencies. Presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has announced that he will take office.
DOGE will “provide advice and guidance from outside the government” and work with the White House Office of Management and Budget, the president-elect said.
“This could potentially become a modern-day 'Manhattan Project,'” Trump added. “Republican politicians have long dreamed of DOGE goals.”
Haberman said on Monday's episode of his podcast that he doesn't believe Musk will move into the White House's “Lincoln Bedroom.” He's going to try to get as close to Trump as possible.”
The Hill has reached out to Tesla and the Trump transition team for comment.
