During a lively discussion on MSNBC’s Saturday morning show, the former Republican National Committee chair, Michael Steele, suggested that Donald Trump might no longer be the decisive leader he once was, instead allowing billionaire adviser Elon Musk to influence his decisions.
The debate centered on Musk’s reported efforts to pressure GOP lawmakers to pass a budget bill aligned with both his and Trump’s preferences. This came despite some notable disagreements over the debt limit. Steele pointed out that Musk has emerged as a vocal critic of Republicans who compromised with Democrats on the deal, signaling his growing sway within GOP circles... Continue reading here ▶
Co-host Symone Sanders Townsend, who admitted she was surprised to find herself defending the president-elect, argued that Musk might actually need Trump more than Trump needs Musk.
“He’s the one with the government contracts he wants to keep and the access he wants to maintain,” Townsend explained. “He’s putting the pressure on people and getting what he wants. Elon Musk is playing Republicans in Congress and the president-elect like a fiddle. But where is Trump in all this? When is he going to step up?”
She continued, “Where is the Donald Trump from The Apprentice? The one who was decisive, who thrived on making bold decisions like ‘hired, fired, hired, fired’? That’s the leader people thought they were electing. Now, he’s just posting through everything.”
Steele chimed in with a sharp critique, suggesting Trump might no longer have the energy or resolve for such leadership. “Well, maybe he’s too old for the job now,” Steele remarked.
Townsend reluctantly agreed, saying, “He is aging.”
