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.
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”