PHOENIX – Following a week in which Musk helped thwart an emergency budget plan to prevent a government shutdown, President-elect Donald Trump denied any indication that he is being replaced by his well-known billionaire ally, Elon Musk.
Trump claimed that the idea that he has given Musk the presidency is untrue and that Musk would not be able to obtain it even if he want it due to the Constitution’s requirement that the president of the United States be a natural-born citizen. South Africa is where Musk was born.
“I can assure you that he will not be president,” Trump stated. I’m also safe. Do you understand why he can’t be? This country is not where he was born.
Thousands of conservative activists cheered enthusiastically as Trump ascended the stage amidst a firework display during his more than hour-long speech at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference in Phoenix on Sunday. Since the election, it was his first rally-style gathering.
As the crowd stood and applauded the incoming president, who was dressed in his signature suit and long red tie, smoke swirled around the platform and sparklers erupted from the ground.
Trump, Trump, Trump! The crowd chanted.
According to Trump, America is entering a golden period.
Trump also called for an end to the terrible war between Russia and Ukraine and stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to meet with him as soon as possible.
Throughout the campaign, Trump promised to end the war quickly by leveraging the power and influence he believes he has gained over both Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the leader of Ukraine.
On social media on Saturday, he reinforced a warning that Panama is demanding exorbitant fees for the use of the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, bringing up another foreign policy concern.
Trump stated that he would insist on regaining control of the canal, which the United States gave up in a 1977 treaty signed by then-President Jimmy Carter, if Panama doesn’t change its mind.
According to Trump, we are being taken advantage of in the Panama Canal just like we are everywhere else.
Jos Raul Mulino, the president of Panama, stated on social media Sunday that the canal is Panama’s property and that the nation’s sovereignty cannot be compromised.
Trump also presented a fresh strategy for a campaign-style advertising push to deter drug usage.
Trump declared, “We’re going to promote the negative effects of drugs on you.” They damage your skin, your face, and your appearance. Your teeth are ruined. Take a lot of fentanyl if you want terrible teeth.
Following a heated stalemate in Washington, D.C., during the last week that almost resulted in a government shutdown, Trump made an appearance at the conference.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s emergency spending plan was essentially thwarted by Trump and Musk, forcing lawmakers to come up with a workable substitute that would have kept the government operating hours before the shutdown would have occurred.
Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, expressed his disapproval of the first spending agreement over 100 times, giving a sneak peek at how he would use his power and platform to influence policy during Trump’s second term.
Democrats have mockingly started referring to him as President Musk. Anyone who overshadows Trump or takes attention away from him doesn’t stay in his orbit for very long, according to history.
Trump’s comments, however, imply that he does not wish to cause a gap with Musk; at this point, their interests are similar. Musk contributed more than $250 million to Trump’s election campaign.
Musk was appointed by Trump to lead a new nongovernmental organization whose goal is to cut government expenses and inefficiencies after he won the election. In the long run, Musk’s fortune might keep Republicans loyal to Trump. Any Republican congressman who is tempted to oppose Trump would be afraid that the president-elect will plan a primary contest funded by Musk.
Conference speakers minimized any conflict between Trump and Musk.
The president-elect’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., stated in a speech Thursday night: You see what the media is trying to do to undermine my father’s connection with Elon. We cannot tolerate their attempts to create that division in order to stop these men from doing what they will do best.
In an interview with NBC News, another speaker, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., stated that Musk is playing a significant part in assisting in the elimination of government waste.
To get a fresh perspective on the things we’re spending money on, we’re bringing in a private sector expert, Mullin stated.
Mullin stated that Musk has the right to use his social media site. He remains a private individual. He is just like everyone else.
Trump appeared to be in a good mood less than a month before the 45th president becomes the 47th. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was called to the stage, but Trump initially failed to see him as he looked around the crowd.
Is he somewhere here? Ted? Ted? Trump stated. I’m afraid he’s in trouble. Cruz then came out from backstage, and the two embraced and shook hands.
Trump then heard an odd noise coming from the stage. What on earth was that? “I said.” Occasionally, you get the small yips up here.
“I wonder why,” Trump, who was the target of two assassination attempts during the campaign, continued.
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