Former U.S. President Donald Trump has categorically denied rumors suggesting he might cede the presidency to tech billionaire Elon Musk. Speaking at a rally in Arizona on Sunday, Trump labeled the claims as baseless and accused his political opponents of spreading misinformation.
The rumors gained traction following public opposition from both Trump and Musk to a government funding bill, signed into law by President Joe Biden to avert a government shutdown. The bill, initially crafted with bipartisan support, faced sharp criticism from Trump and Musk, further fueling speculation about their political alliance.
Musk, the CEO of X (formerly Twitter), has been a polarizing figure in the political landscape. His public endorsement of Trump after a shooting incident at a Pennsylvania rally and his reported $200 million contribution to a Political Action Committee (PAC) supporting the former president have made him a target of Democratic criticism.
Addressing the rumors directly, Trump stated, “And no, he’s not taking the presidency. He’s not going to be president, that I can tell you. You know why he can’t be? He wasn’t born in this country.” Musk, born in South Africa, does not meet the constitutional requirement of being a natural-born U.S. citizen to hold the presidency.
Trump also condemned what he called a “hoax” perpetuated by his opponents, accusing them of using the narrative as a distraction.
The remarks underscore the growing influence of Musk in American politics, with some viewing his financial and vocal support for Trump as a significant force in shaping conservative strategies. Meanwhile, critics argue that such alliances blur the lines between corporate interests and public governance.
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