CNN’s Jim Acosta sharply criticized the light-hearted Thanksgiving celebration between President-elect Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, particularly a video that captured the two men dancing to the Village People’s “YMCA” at Mar-a-Lago.

Nov 16, 2024; New York, NY, USA; President-elect Donald Trump (left) sits ringside with South African businessman Elon Musk during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The footage showed Trump and Musk, seated at a roped-off table, enthusiastically participating in the dance during a gathering that included Trump family members and notable guests such as actor Sylvester Stallone.

In the clip, Musk was seen spelling out the letters of the song’s title, while Trump kept the beat by drumming on the table.

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The fun moment, which delighted the attendees, was met with skepticism by CNN’s Jim Acosta, who questioned the implications of Musk’s growing relationship with Trump.

Acosta, in his coverage of the event on CNN, remarked: “If you haven’t seen this video yet of Elon Musk getting chummy with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago for Thanksgiving… this does raise a lot of questions about what Elon Musk’s role will be in this incoming administration.”

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He then referenced Musk’s actions on social media, claiming Musk has been targeting federal employees, including Colonel Alexander Vindman, accusing them of treason.

Acosta’s criticism was linked to Musk’s vocal support of Trump, alongside his behavior on X (formerly Twitter), where Musk has publicly criticized figures such as Vindman, a former National Security Council official.

Acosta appeared concerned that Musk’s growing influence and alignment with Trump might have broader implications, particularly after Musk’s comments accusing Vindman of being part of a “treasonous” scheme.

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman testifies on Capitol Hill on Nov. 19, 2019.
Xxx Vindman Wiliams Trump Impeachment Hearings Jg 068 Jpg Dc

In a highly publicized exchange, Vindman accused Musk of sharing state secrets with Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging that Musk’s support for Trump was influenced by directives from Russia.

Vindman, a figure known for his testimony during Trump’s impeachment, claimed that Putin targets “narcissists and egomaniacs” like Trump and Musk, whom he believes can be manipulated.

He even went so far as to allege that Musk’s access to state secrets could put U.S. security at risk.

Musk responded sharply on X, refuting Vindman’s claims by accusing him of working for Ukrainian oligarchs and committing treason against the United States.

Musk’s strong rebuke was in line with his ongoing criticism of those he views as obstructing his political and business endeavors.

Despite Acosta’s concerns, the Thanksgiving event at Mar-a-Lago was described by attendees as festive and relaxed. Alongside Musk and Trump, the gathering included key members of the Trump family, such as Melania Trump, Eric Trump, and Barron Trump, as well as Musk’s mother, Maye Musk.

According to sources at the event, the mood was light-hearted, with guests enjoying the music and company.

Musk, who has been a vocal critic of government inefficiency, was appointed by President-elect Trump to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The department’s mission is to reduce government bureaucracy and spending, making it a crucial part of Trump’s second-term agenda.

Despite the criticism from Acosta and others on the left, Musk’s relationship with Trump seems to be solidifying, with Musk playing a key role in the incoming administration’s push for reforms.

The ongoing interactions between Musk, Trump, and figures like Vindman suggest that the debate over the role of tech billionaires in politics and the future of U.S. foreign policy will continue to shape the political landscape in the coming years.

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