CNN Panel Erupts Over Elon Musk’s Appointment in Trump Administration [WATCH]

A CNN panel discussion on Thursday night devolved into a heated argument after panelists debated tech billionaire Elon Musk’s role and influence within the Trump administration.

The exchange highlighted sharp disagreements over Musk’s qualifications and the decision to appoint him to a key government position.

The discussion centered on Musk’s position as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a department established by President Donald Trump in November.

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Musk’s presence in the White House and his reported lack of an FBI background check before receiving a White House badge were focal points of the debate.

“Elon has an office in the White House, he has a White House badge, as far as I know he has not passed a background check, he hasn’t passed an FBI check, he hasn’t disclosed anything federal employees are supposed to,” CNN host Abby Phillip argued during the segment.

In response, New York trial attorney Arthur Aidala defended Musk’s achievements, arguing they justify his position and access. “Because he’s achieved more than any American,” Aidala said. “Who’s gotten us to the moon? Who’s gotten us into space? He’s got the number one car company.”

The comments sparked pushback from fellow panelist Van Lathan, who noted that the U.S. space program predates Musk’s SpaceX ventures.

“That’s the government! Excuse me, that’s the government,” Lathan said, challenging Aidala’s assertion. Aidala countered, emphasizing the “manpower and brainpower” involved in Musk’s accomplishments.

While Phillip acknowledged Musk as a “very important person,” she stressed the need for checks and balances to limit his influence within the government.

Lathan further questioned why Musk is considered so critical to the administration.

“Why is it a given that Elon Musk is so important? What is so important about Elon Musk? I’m asking, seriously,” Lathan said.

“He’s achieved a lot, but in terms of importance, he’s made a lot of money for himself, and in terms of how Elon Musk has affected people’s lives, Dr. [Martin Luther King Jr.] is important.”

Aidala pushed back by highlighting Musk’s contributions to the economy and employment.

“How many people has Elon Musk employed?” Aidala asked.

He added, “It’s really what you just said. [Trump and Musk] became friends, they became buddies, and that’s why he’s got the influence.”

Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky argued that Trump has elevated tech billionaires like Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, giving them significant influence over government functions.

“Trump made Musk important by giving him significant influence on the government,” she said.

Musk, along with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, was appointed by Trump in November to lead DOGE.

The department was originally tasked with reducing excess regulations, cutting government spending, and restructuring federal agencies.

However, Ramaswamy later stepped down from his role, reportedly to pursue a gubernatorial bid in Ohio.

Despite the department’s initial focus on reducing the size and cost of government, Trump signed an executive order on Monday redirecting DOGE to focus on modernizing federal technology and improving efficiency.

Musk has voiced his support for the new priorities, stating on Monday that DOGE’s initiatives will “improve government’s efficiency” and help combat “rampant inflation.”

The panel’s fiery exchange underscores ongoing debates over the role of private-sector leaders in public governance and the influence of tech billionaires in shaping government policy.

As DOGE continues its work, Musk’s involvement remains a point of contention among critics and supporters alike.

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