This was reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing the American publication NBC News. This information comes from Kontrakty.UA.
The corresponding statement from Trump was made during his speech at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest conference in Phoenix on December 22.
Why are there comments about "President" Musk in the U.S.?
The reaction from the newly elected president regarding the influence of his ally Musk occurred after the businessman helped him reject a bipartisan funding bill proposed by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Last week, a tense standoff in Washington nearly led to a shutdown of the U.S. government. Ultimately, lawmakers in the U.S. managed to find an acceptable alternative, thus avoiding a shutdown.
Musk, who owns the popular social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has posted over 100 messages expressing his objections to the initial spending deal. This was seen as the businessman leveraging his media influence to shape policy in the U.S. during Trump's second term.
Following this, representatives of the Democratic Party began to criticize the billionaire, referring to him as "President Musk."
Trump states that Musk won't be president of the U.S. because he can't be
Trump told conservative activists at the event that he has not "ceded the presidency" to the billionaire, calling such thoughts a fabrication.
According to Trump, even if Musk wanted to assume the role of head of state, he would not be able to due to the constitutional requirement that the President of the United States must be a natural-born citizen.
However, Musk was born in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and became a U.S. citizen in 2002.
"No, he will not become president, I can tell you that. And I am safe. You know why he can't be? He wasn't born in this country," Trump emphasized.
Questions about Musk's influence on Trump and politics in general
Western analysts believe that Trump's remarks indicate he does not wish to sever ties with Musk, and that both currently share common interests.
American media reminded that Musk spent over $250 million supporting Trump in his presidential campaign to help secure a victory.
Recently, Donald Trump Jr., the elder son of the elected U.S. president, stated that the press seems to be trying to "break my father's relationship with Elon," intending to create a rift between them.
Earlier, it was reported that Trump nominated Musk to lead a new non-governmental office, whose mission is to reduce government spending and lower inefficiency.
Earlier in December, it was reported that U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren addressed Trump regarding Musk's influence.
Additionally, in mid-November, information emerged that Democratic senators called for an investigation into Musk's calls to Russia.
Furthermore, in November, CNN reported that Musk has a significant influence on appointments within Trump's team.