Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trump makes crack about Musk’s ‘constant’ presence at Mar-a-Lago: ‘I can’t get him out of here’

Has Elon Musk already worn out his welcome? The President-elect was full of praise for the tech billionaire but still landed a few jabs in a victory lap speech at Mar-a-Lago

Katie Hawkinson
Friday 15 November 2024 04:06 EST
Comments
Related: Trump chooses Musk to lead DOGE department

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump made a back-handed joke about Elon Musk’sreported constant presence at a black-tie event at Mar-a-Lago to celebrate his election victory.

In his first major speech since winning the White House last week, Trump addressed the America First Policy Institute gala in Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday evening, and quipped the tech billionaire “just likes the place.”

“Elon, what a job, what a job he does,” Trump said, full of praise. “He’s great, he happens to be a really good guy. You know, he likes this place. I can’t get him out of here.”

Elon Musk attends the America First Policy Institute Gala held at Mar-a-Lago
Elon Musk attends the America First Policy Institute Gala held at Mar-a-Lago (Getty Images)

Musk, who has been handed a role looking at government efficiencies for Trump, took the stage shortly after the President-elect.

“As President Trump said, what we need is common sense,” Musk told attendees. “This won’t be business as usual. This is going to be a revolution.”

Reports indicate Musk has spent "nearly every day" with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago Florida estate. He even joined Trump’s game of golf with his granddaughter, 17-year-old Kai. The billionaire has also sat in on calls with world leaders, including Trump’s discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Musk spoke at the America First Policy Institute gala, telling attendees, ‘this is going to be a revolution'
Musk spoke at the America First Policy Institute gala, telling attendees, ‘this is going to be a revolution' (AP)

Musk was also a constant presence on the campaign trail. The billionaire founded the pro-Trump America PAC and even launched a daily lottery last month that awarded $1 million to people who sign a petition supporting First and Second Amendment rights.

Trump made virtually the exact same joke at a meeting of House Republicans on Wednesday: "Elon won’t go home. I can’t get rid of him, at least until I don’t like him.”

Veteran tech journalist Kara Swisher told CNN on Sunday morning that Trump insiders were confused and unnerved by the extent of Musk’s influence.

Musk has been given a role looking at government efficiences under the new government
Musk has been given a role looking at government efficiences under the new government (REUTERS)

"He definitely inserts himself all the time; that’s his style. That’s why he’s just suddenly shown up there like the guest that wouldn’t leave," she said.

Trump tapped Musk, alongside former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, to run the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency.

The new agency – which will operate “outside of government” – will advise on gutting federal departments and which staff should be fired if it deems they are a “massive waste.”

Trump vowed that Musk and Ramaswamy “will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in