In some cases, Reuters' Helen Coster and Alexandra Ulmer note, "Musk backed people who either lost out on the roles or withdrew from consideration, suggesting some early limits to the Republican mega donor's influence even as he has emerged as one of Trump's most powerful allies."

Elon Musk continued to saddle up to Donald Trump over the holidays as he was seen at the president-elect’s side during Thanksgiving celebration at Mar-a-Lago. Footage shared by ABC News and CNN showed the tech billionaire seated beside Trump at a family table during a lavish dinner Thursday at the so-called Winter White House.