Commerce Secretary Shuts Down NBC’s Kristen Welker Over Trump Having Musk Help [WATCH]

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick pushed back against NBC News host Kristen Welker’s repeated questioning on Sunday regarding the leadership dynamics within President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly the role of Elon Musk.

The exchange took place during an interview on Meet the Press, where Welker pressed Lutnick on whether Musk or Cabinet officials held primary decision-making authority.

The discussion followed a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, during which President Trump and his administration discussed Musk’s official role and how federal agencies should collaborate with him.

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Some reports have suggested that not all members of the administration fully endorsed Musk’s involvement.

Welker repeatedly questioned Lutnick about the meeting, asking him who President Trump indicated was “in charge”—the Cabinet members or Musk.

Lutnick initially responded by stating that Trump did not place Musk in charge. However, Welker interrupted, pressing him further.

“But of your agency, who’s in charge of your agency? I understand that, but who is in charge of your agency, you or Elon Musk?” Welker asked.

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“Elon Musk is your partner, he’s your partner in technology, he’s your partner in thought, he’s your partner in doing it,” Lutnick replied.

“What President Trump made clear is that Elon is your partner, and that is what we’d like. You have the greatest businessman and greatest technologist in the world as my partner.”

Concerns over Musk’s role surfaced after he announced on Feb. 22 that all federal employees would be required to submit a weekly report detailing their work via a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) email or offer their resignation.

The directive sparked debate about Musk’s level of authority within the administration.

During Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, Trump clarified that while Musk would be able to provide recommendations to federal departments, he does not have the authority to terminate federal employees or unilaterally dictate policy or personnel decisions, according to a report by Politico.

Lutnick defended Musk’s involvement, emphasizing the value of his expertise.

“You gotta ask me, what do I think? Thank God I would have Elon Musk come and help me,” Lutnick said.

“There’s no one watching this TV right now who, if Elon Musk said he was gonna come over their house and help them, wouldn’t cheer. You have the best technologist and the richest guy in the world saying, ‘I’ll help you?’ Come on. We want his help.”

Welker also asked about reports of a tense exchange between Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Cabinet meeting.

Trump dismissed the question when asked about it on Thursday.

Ahead of the meeting, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to cutting unnecessary government spending and improving efficiency.

In a post on Truth Social, he underscored the need for collaboration within his administration to address “cost-cutting measures and staffing.”

The discussion over Musk’s role in government operations continues, as his influence in shaping policy and administrative efficiency remains a focal point within the Trump administration.

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