Don Lemon has been embroiled in a war of words with a TikToker over Elon Musk's influence on President-elect Donald Trump.
The former CNN host spoke with various people in New York City over the weekend to lead online conservative opposition to the bipartisan agreement that Musk is the Democratic Party's claim that he is Trump's shadow “President Musk.” talked about. Partial government shutdown.
“Who do you think is the real next president?” Lemon asked.
“I think Donald Trump won.” TikToker and former professional soccer player Will John replies.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon sat down with TikToker Will Jung to discuss whether Elon Musk is considered the real president. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images)
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“Democrats in Washington are calling Elon Musk right now and saying Donald Trump is vice president or communications director,” Lemon followed up.
“What? Wait, no, no one said that,” John said.
Lemon interrupted, “Really? Weren't you paying attention?”
“Absolutely not. I pay attention to what I do throughout the day so that I can earn a better living and get ahead,” John said.
Lemon then tells John to search for “President Mask” on his phone to prove his point, and John complies.
“That's already a weighty question,” John said, looking on.
John found reports in Axios, Business Insider, ABC News, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Atlantic using the term “President Musk,” and Lemon considered this a victory.
“We don't trust any of this. The public doesn't trust any of this,” John shot back. “I don't trust any of them. I don't trust any of them. I don't trust any of them. We're ordinary people. We don't trust any of them. Nobody trusts the government.” General News I don't trust anyone anymore. We own the news. They don't trust me because I care. Of them. ”
“I can't disagree with you,” Lemon admitted.
Democratic lawmakers and media commentators have promoted the name “President Musk” based on his opposition to bipartisan government funding legislation. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
When Lemon asked other pedestrians the same question, the results were mixed. His TikTok account.
One woman said, “I've never seen anything like that firsthand. I find it strange that people are in such a position of power that they call him that. I don't think he's the best person to represent our government.” I don't know if he is a real person or not.” .
“I mean, it’s just internet chatter,” another woman said. “I don't think Elon Musk participated in the last election, so how can he be the next president?”
A third woman said: “Well, it's not an electoral format, but clearly he has influence over the government.”
“How long do you think Donald Trump will put up with someone calling Elon Musk President Musk?” Lemon followed.
“Forever. He's spending money. He likes money,” the woman answered.
One man said he had actually heard the term “President Musk,” but claimed that Musk was vice president-elect while Trump was still president-elect. But that will change, he said.
“He's lost. He's gone. Masks are even worse. They're politically rooting for this guy. It's over. His life in America is over. Look at what they do. “I want you to,” he said.
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Several liberal media pundits, like Lemon, also argued that Musk is not President Trump, but either a co-president or the president himself.
“Elon Musk is the guy who really drives things. He's not just President Trump's co-president. I think that's too low a title,” MSNBC's Chris Hayes said in a monologue Wednesday. “He is in charge and House Republicans certainly know who they are getting their marching orders from.”
Lemon asked pedestrians if they believed Musk was the real president-elect. (Getty Images)
Caroline Leavitt, Trump Vance's transition press secretary and incoming press secretary, poured cold water on the media story in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“As soon as President Trump announced his public position on CR, Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his views. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party, in full force,” she said.
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FOX News' Nicholas Lanum contributed to this report.
