It might only take some bad polling numbers for President Donald Trump’s relationship with Elon Musk to fall apart, veteran Trump reporter Maggie Haberman predicted on Thursday. Musk has emerged as one of Trump’s most powerful advisers over the last month as he spearheads the administration’s efforts to gut the federal government.

New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman says President Trump and his advisers have identified tech giant Elon Musk as a “useful heat shield” for criticism on his administration’s policies.

Maggie Haberman agreed that Trump was bringing Elon Musk "to heel" during an Oval Office photo op that many framed as humiliating to Trump.

At least two accounts representing the former German dictator purportedly displayed gray, government-signifying verification badges in February 2025.

The F.B.I. director, Kash Patel, the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and others told employees not to respond to a directive from Mr. Musk to summarize their accomplishments.

Maggie Haberman confronted Karoline Leavitt over DOGE czar Elon Musk, asking if President Donald Trump has complied with a conflict of interest law.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responds to a question from CNN’s Jeff Zeleny about Elon Musk’s attendance at the White House cabinet meeting as well as the emails sent to federal workers.