‘Elon called me…and I said’: US President Donald Trump on ‘president Elon Musk’ remarks

Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump have actively moved to counter growing speculation about the Tesla CEO’s influence over the Trump administration, with recent revelations showing that the tech mogul personally reached out to the President about attempts to “drive us apart.”

In a joint Fox News interview, Trump disclosed that Musk initiated contact regarding the speculation: “Actually, Elon called me. He said: 'You know, they're trying to drive us apart.' I said 'Absolutely.'”

The discussion comes amid growing scrutiny of Musk's role, with critics suggesting the world's richest man has become the true power broker in Washington.

Trump says he gets most bad publicity

While attacking the ‘president Elon Musk’ remarks, Trump said that people understand what is happening.

“I could do the greatest things—I get 98% bad publicity,” Trump said, adding, “It’s like, the craziest thing. But you know what I have learned, Elon? The people are smart, they get it. They really see what’s happening.”

As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has authority over federal spending and agency operations. His mandate includes access to Treasury data, oversight of aid spending, and the power to eliminate federal agencies and reduce the federal workforce.

Despite the extensive authority granted to Musk and his team of "geniuses" at DOGE, including the power to cut hundreds of millions in government spending, both leaders have dismissed concerns about their working relationship. Trump particularly labeled attempts to create division between them as "obvious" and ineffective.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk has once again declared his love for Trump. Replying to a post that said, "The more I’ve gotten to know President Trump, the more I like the guy. Frankly, I love him", Musk said, "It’s true"