In a spirited exchange during a cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump firmly rejected suggestions of a rift between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and entrepreneur Elon Musk, labeling NBC News reporter Gabe Gutierrez a “troublemaker” for bringing up the topic. The incident unfolded shortly after Trump signed an executive order to create the White House Task Force for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tensions in the Room
The confrontation occurred as Gutierrez sought clarification about a reported clash between Musk and Rubio, triggered by coverage from The New York Times. According to the article, Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency, criticized Rubio for not terminating enough staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In response, Rubio reportedly voiced his frustration, asserting that the more than 1,500 employees who accepted buyouts under the Trump administration should be considered layoffs.
Despite these allegations, Trump quickly intervened when Gutierrez posed his question, stating emphatically, “No clash. I was there—you’re just a troublemaker.” He went on to express his belief that both Musk and Rubio maintain a productive working relationship, insisting, “Elon gets along great with Marco, and they’re both doing a fantastic job. There is no clash.”
Trump then redirected the focus back to the announcement regarding the World Cup Task Force, showing visible irritation with the line of questioning. “You’re not supposed to be asking that question, because we’re talking about the World Cup,” he remarked.
President Trump SLAMS an NBC reporter for ginning up the “clash” between Elon and Marco Rubio story:
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 7, 2025
“No clash. I was there. You're just a troublemaker”
Musk vs Rubio
JD vs Don Jr.
Pay attention. MSM wants us divided. Too bad!! pic.twitter.com/zc1U1hPBrb
Media Relations Under Strain
When Gutierrez identified himself as an NBC reporter, Trump responded with disdain, saying, “Ugh, no wonder,” before cutting him off entirely with, “That’s enough. NBC.” This exchange highlighted the escalating tension between Trump and specific media outlets, particularly NBC News, which has faced his criticism over time for perceived bias and misinformation.
Earlier in the week, Trump had called out MSNBC hosts Nicolle Wallace and Rachel Maddow for their remarks concerning DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor honored during Trump’s address to Congress. Following their controversial comments, Trump demanded their resignations, further illustrating his combative relationship with the media.
Ongoing Conflicts with the Press
This latest incident with Gutierrez is part of a broader pattern of confrontations between Trump and various reporters. He has consistently accused journalists of spreading misinformation while often targeting networks like CNN. In a recent interaction, Trump told CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins that former President Joe Biden is “a friend of CNN” and criticized the network for lacking credibility. These ongoing feuds continue to shape Trump’s public persona as he maintains a defiant stance against critical press coverage.
Internal Dynamics and Future Implications
The exchanges involving Musk and Rubio have sparked discussions about the dynamics within Trump’s cabinet. However, his swift dismissal of any discord between the two suggests a strategic effort to minimize speculation about internal conflicts, focusing instead on their collaborative efforts.
Trump’s assertive response to Gutierrez serves as a reminder of his intent to steer the narrative surrounding his administration as he prepares for major events like the 2026 World Cup. His interactions with the media indicate a relentless drive to manage public perception, regardless of the scrutiny he faces.
As Trump continues to lead the Republican Party, it appears that his contentious relationships with media organizations will persist, especially with the 2028 presidential election looming on the horizon.
