President Trump reportedly erupted in a profanity-laced rant to keep Elon Musk out of a classified China-related meeting, according to Axios. Though once close allies, tensions are rising between the two just over 100 days into Trump’s second term.
Trump allegedly said, “What the f**k is Elon doing there? Make sure he doesn’t go,” after learning Musk might attend the briefing. Concerns about Musk’s deep business ties to China reportedly played a role.
The Defense Secretary has suspended two Pentagon officials amid an investigation into who leaked info to Musk. While the meeting was ultimately scrapped, Trump and Musk both denied the original report, calling it fake news. Musk, meanwhile, demanded prosecution of Pentagon leakers.
Despite the fallout, a source said Trump “still very much loves Elon,” but certain red lines can’t be crossed.