Former President Donald Trump has defended the relationship between Marco Rubio and Elon Musk following reports of a heated exchange during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Taking to Truth Social on Saturday evening, Trump, 78, dismissed the claims as “FAKE NEWS.”
“ELON AND MARCO HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP. ANY STATEMENT OTHER THAN THAT IS FAKE NEWS!!!” Trump wrote.
The New York Times reported Friday that Musk accused Rubio of refusing to cut staff during a closed-door Cabinet meeting. This followed weeks of DOGE implementing extensive reductions in federal personnel and programs.
In response, Rubio reportedly pushed back, explaining that around 1,500 State Department employees had taken early retirement buyouts, which should be considered layoffs.
According to the report, Trump remained silent with his arms crossed during the heated exchange but eventually stepped in after what was described as an “uncomfortable” period.
On Friday, Trump tried to dismiss speculation about the fiery meeting while also condemning an NBC News reporter who questioned him about the alleged clash.
“No clash. I was there – you’re just a troublemaker,” Trump said after interrupting the reporter.
He added, “And you’re not supposed to be asking that question because we’re talking about the World Cup.”
The exchange occurred after Trump signed an executive order establishing the White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Oval Office.
“Elon gets along great with Marco, and they’re both doing a fantastic job. There is no clash,” Trump reiterated.
