Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki weighed in on Sunday regarding a statement from Donald Trump’s incoming press secretary declaring the president-elect as “the Leader of the Republican Party. Full stop.” Psaki argued the comment reflects poorly on the Trump team, signaling potential missteps in their communication strategy before Trump has even taken office.
During her MSNBC show, Psaki discussed the perception that billionaire Elon Musk, who has been frequently seen alongside Trump, is wielding significant influence over the president-elect. She suggested that such optics are creating unnecessary complications for Trump’s team.
Referring to Democratic messaging tactics, Psaki highlighted their use of the term “President Musk” as a way to needle Trump. She shared clips of Democrats employing the phrase to poke at the dynamic between Musk and Trump, implying Musk’s sway over key decisions.
Psaki further noted Musk’s reaction to the criticism, stating, “Musk felt the need to go back on X and say it was, quote, the media who were trying to drive a wedge between him and Trump –– also declaring it wouldn’t work.”
She then turned her attention to the Trump team’s response, pointing out their efforts to reaffirm Trump’s position as the party’s leader. “A Trump spokesperson even felt the need to clarify that the actual president-elect is, in fact, the leader of the Republican Party. I promise you that’s not exactly a statement you want to have to make,” Psaki remarked with a wry smile.
The commentary underscores potential vulnerabilities in Trump’s messaging as he prepares to assume office. The public perception of Musk’s proximity to Trump and the need to assert Trump’s leadership within the Republican Party has provided ammunition for critics. Psaki’s analysis suggests that such distractions could undermine the administration’s ability to focus on its core agenda.
As Trump’s team continues to navigate these dynamics, the interplay between Trump, Musk, and the Republican Party leadership remains a focal point for both supporters and opponents. While the statement from Trump’s press secretary aimed to dispel doubts, Psaki’s critique highlights how these messaging efforts might backfire, creating more questions than clarity.