Trump downplays talk of Elon Musk’s increasing influence in Republican politics

Machine learning summary of original content via the Kagi Universal Summariser:

Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about Elon Musk's growing influence in Republican politics, asserting that Musk cannot replace him as president due to his non-citizen status. Trump's comments came during a conservative gathering following Musk's involvement in derailing a significant government funding bill, which led some to jokingly refer to Musk as "President Musk." Despite Musk's notable impact, including his social media opposition to the funding package, Trump maintains he remains in control. Some Republican figures view Musk's role as akin to that of a prime minister, reflecting his growing sway. Critics, particularly from the Democratic side, have raised alarms about potential conflicts of interest, especially regarding Musk's business ties to China amid the funding debates. Political analysts express skepticism about the longevity of Trump's and Musk's alliance, citing Trump's history of distancing himself from influential supporters. Additionally, tensions may arise over the war in Ukraine, which could conflict with Musk's business interests. Trump's son has attempted to downplay any perceived rift between the two figures, suggesting media efforts to create division. As Trump prepares for another presidential term, the implications for U.S. politics remain significant.