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Donald Trump shuts down NBC reporter over Elon Musk clashing with Marco Rubio claim
Donald Trump denied reports of a dispute between Elon Musk and Marco Rubio, stating there was no clash during an Oval Office exchange with an NBC reporter.
President Donald Trump dismissed claims of a reported dispute between Elon Musk and Marco Rubio, when a NBC reporter asked the same.
During an exchange in the Oval Office, Trump directly addressed an NBC News reporter, “There was no clash. Who are you with?” The reporter responded, “NBC.”
“Oh, no wonder..,” POTUS smirked.
“No clash, I was there, you’re just a troublemaker,” he stated. “And you’re not supposed to be asking that question, because we’re talking about the World Cup.”
Following the “no wonder” comment, the NBC News reporter asked, “Who has more authority, Elon Musk or the Cabinet secretaries?”
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Trump declined to answer directly, instead redirecting the conversation: “Any other questions? About the World Cup.”
Trump praises Marco and Musk amid cabinet reshuffle rumors
The president used the event to announce the formation of a task force dedicated to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will host in 2026.
When asked again about the Cabinet meeting and reports that he had informed officials that Musk would play a greater advisory role in staffing decisions, Trump avoided addressing the details but reaffirmed, “Elon gets along great with Marco, and they’re both doing a fantastic job.”
“They both get along fantastically well. Marco has done unbelievably as Secretary of State. And Elon is a unique guy, he’s done a fantastic job,” he stated, before curtly adding, “Enough.”
During Thursday’s meeting, Trump directed Cabinet officials to take the lead on personnel decisions, advising that any necessary staff reductions be made with precision rather than sweeping layoffs. However, he made it clear that if agency heads failed to implement sufficient cuts, DOGE would intervene under Musk’s guidance.
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This directive follows an executive order Trump signed the previous week. The order mandated agency leaders to collaborate with DOGE staff in reviewing budgets, employee travel, and contracts and required the creation of a centralized system to monitor all government expenditures.
