Could Elon Musk, who holds significant influence in the incoming Trump administration, one day become president? On Sunday, Donald Trump dismissed the idea, pointing to U.S. constitutional rules requiring presidents to be born in the country.

"He's not gonna be president, that I can tell you," Trump said at a Republican conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

"You know why he can't be? He wasn't born in this country," Trump added, referring to Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who was born in South Africa.

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a president must be a natural-born U.S. citizen.

Trump's comments were in response to criticism, particularly from Democrats, who have labeled Musk as "President Musk" due to the significant role he is expected to play in the incoming administration.

Addressing concerns about Musk taking on a presidential-like role, Trump assured the audience, "No, no, that's not happening."

Musk, who will serve as Trump's "efficiency czar," has become a focal point of Democratic attacks, with critics questioning how an unelected individual can wield such considerable power.

Musk's influence has also drawn ire from some Republicans after he criticized a government funding proposal this week through a barrage of posts—many of them inaccurate—to his more than 200 million followers on his social media platform X.

Alongside Trump, Musk pressured Republicans to withdraw support for a funding agreement previously negotiated with Democrats, nearly pushing the U.S. into a government shutdown just days before Christmas.

Congress ultimately reached a last-minute deal late Friday, avoiding major disruptions to government operations.