Trump Claims He Doesn't Need Elon Musk For 'Anything Other Than I Happen To Like Him'

President Donald Trump held a Cabinet meeting on Thursday which focused primarily on the shift of his tariff policy, which includes a 90-day pause in higher taxes for most countries and an increase in rate against China to 145%.

At one point of the meeting however, the focused shifted towards billionaire Elon Musk's role in the administration. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was present during the meeting.

"Elon's done a fantastic job," said Trump. "Elon's sitting here. I don't need Elon for anything other than that I happen to like him. I'm telling you, this guy did a fantastic job."

Trump then alluded to the fact that several weeks ago he bought a Tesla:

"They said 'oh did you get a bargain?' and I said no, give me the top price, I paid a lot of money for that car. But honestly, he [Musk] makes a great car." He ended the portion of the meeting by saying he lets people in his office drive around in the car. "They're all driving around in the most beautiful car," adding that he bought the car "just to show support", and that Musk "hasn't been treated properly".

The remarks come as Trump's tariffs dominate headlines and the economy around the world. Musk reportedly appealed personally to Trump to backtrack on the measure, according to The Washington Post. He also clashed publicly with trade adviser Peter Navarro. Over the weekend and into Tuesday, Musk criticized Navarro's economic credentials and labeled him a "moron" on social media after he said Musk's stance on tariffs answers to his personal interests. Musk argued for a "zero-tariff situation" between Europe and North America and defended Tesla's manufacturing model, calling it "the most vertically integrated auto manufacturer in America."