US President-elect Donald Trump has denied claims that billionaire businessman Elon Musk will control his administration.
While speaking to a crowd of supporters during a rally in Arizona on Sunday, Trump addressed memes and rumors circulating on social media, calling them a “hoax” spread by his political opponents.
“No, he's not going to be president, I can tell you that,” Trump said. “And I'm safe, do you know why? It can't be; “He was not born in this country.”
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The comments come after increasing public scrutiny over Musk's influence within the incoming administration.
Musk, currently the richest man in the world according to Forbes magazine, endorsed Trump during the election campaign after the president-elect survived an assassination attempt.
Musk also contributed about $200 million to a Political Action Committee (PAC) that supports Trump's candidacy for president.
Trump has since appointed Musk to co-chair the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at slashing federal spending.
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