During the press conference, the 53-year-old billionaire Tesla CEO, whose four-year-old son was busy picking his nose and wiping it on the Resolute desk at one point, was asked by a reporter to publicly correct a factually incorrect claim he made regarding sending $50 million worth of condoms to Gaza in the Middle East – when it was actually Gaza in Mozambique, in order to protect people against HIV.
The reporter then asked: “How can we make sure that all the statements that you said were correct, so we can trust what you say?”
At this point, Trump, 78, could be seen snorting as he raised his eyebrows, shook his head, and smirked.
Musk, who is the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), then replied: “Some of the things that I say will be incorrect and should be corrected.
“I mean, you know, we will make mistakes, but we’ll act quickly to correct any mistakes.”
He also said: “I’m not sure we should be sending $50 million worth of condoms to anywhere, frankly. I’m not sure that’s something Americans would be really excited about.”
The father-of-12 added that his so-called ‘department of government efficiency’ works closely with agency heads and he speaks with Trump to ‘double-check things’.
Musk has since tweeted a clip of the interaction on his own X account with the caption: “$50M of condoms is a LOT of condoms.”
People were quick to notice Trump’s reaction to the reporter’s, frankly totally valid, question, with many rushing to social media to share their thoughts.
“Trump’s reaction to that question is priceless,” penned one X user.
A second declared: “Trump was looking angry there.”
“Lmao, one expression at the right time says more than any explanation you can give,” piped up a third.
Elsewhere during the press conference, Musk, who donned a ‘Make America Great Again’ cap, was asked about the duties that come with his new role in the DOGE.
The inquisition comes as Democrats continue to accuse Trump’s administration and Musk’s department of providing a lack of transparency about their plans for the federal government.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously said: “An unelected shadow government is conducting a hostile takeover of the federal government.”
Under the spotlight, however, the Tesla CEO described cuts to government funding as ‘common sense’ measures, and insisted they are ‘not draconian or radical’.
As per the BBC, Musk went on: “The people voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get.
“That’s what democracy is all about.”
He added: “I fully expect to be scrutinised. It’s not like I think I can get away with something.”
Later, Musk – who was appointed by Trump (not elected) to his new position – went on to describe federal workers as ‘unelected, fourth, unconstitutional branch of government’, that he claimed had ‘more power than any elected representative’.
“It’s not optional for us to reduce the federal expenses,” Musk continued.
“It’s essential. It’s essential for America to remain solvent as a country.”
