Summary

MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell criticized Donald Trump’s Oval Office press conference with Elon Musk, calling it “the most powerless image of a president” ever.

Musk dominated the event—standing over Trump, speaking more words, and violating White House norms with his casual attire and child’s presence.

O’Donnell contrasted Musk’s influence with Trump’s past and present vice presidents, arguing that neither Mike Pence nor JD Vance would challenge Trump’s authority in such a manner.

  • leadore@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    17
    ·
    2 months ago

    Publicly make Trump out to be the lessor power in the relationship and his ego won’t be able to handle it.

    That’s what I’ve thought until now, but after that display I don’t think he’ll do anything to Musk, who it seems really does have some power over him–the money of course, but maybe something else too–maybe some dirt, maybe something in conjunction with Putin. But to let that little brat say those things[*] to him and his only reaction was to be submissive and look away tells me Musk really is the one in control here. This is actually scary.

    [*] “You’re not the president, you need to go away” and “I want you to shut your fucking mouth up”

    • tamal3@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      2 months ago

      Wait, what is this * part of your comment? I guess I missed some piece of these insane news cycles.

      • leadore@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        2 months ago

        I’ve seen several clips from the press conference of “Little X” saying those things to trump, in an audible whisper. You should be able to find them with a search, or if not I can try to find them in my history. Trump sits hunched, looks briefly at the kid then looks away in a defeated manner (like a dog!) while musk rambles on. Anyone else, trump would have said to get the kid out of there, it’s bizarre.