Body language expert says Musk was 'borderline tearful' as Trump applauded his sacrifices for admin goals

WASHINGTON, DC: Elon Musk received glowing praise from President Donald Trump during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, April 30. The meeting marked what appeared to be the Tesla CEO's final appearance as a senior advisor to the administration.

The billionaire tech mogul, known for juggling roles across multiple ventures, was acknowledged for his contributions to Trump’s second-term agenda, including his controversial work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Donald Trump praises Elon Musk in emotional Cabinet farewell

“Elon, I love your double hat, by the way,” Trump joked during the Cabinet meeting. “He's the only one who can get away with that.” Musk chuckled and replied, “Well, Mr President, as they say, I wear a lot of hats. Even my hat wears a hat.”

Trump lauded Musk's sacrifices and resilience amid global protests targeting his companies. “We really want to thank you, a lot. You’ve really sacrificed a lot,” Trump told Musk. “You’ve been treated very unfairly, but the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you.”

Musk, with his usual dry humor, quipped, “They do like to burn my cars, which isn’t great. Could be better,” prompting laughter around the table.

Trump followed up with praise, saying, “This whole room can say that very strongly. You've been a tremendous help, opened a lot of eyes as to what can be done, and we just want to thank you very much. You’re invited to stay as long as you want.”

“At some point, he wants to get back home to his cars,” Trump concluded.

Musk gave a quiet nod, offering a humble “Thank you” as the clapping continued around him.

Elon Musk appears 'childlike and borderline tearful' during Cabinet meeting

According to body language analyst Judi James, Elon Musk’s demeanor subtly shifted from playful to near-tearful during the meeting. 

“Musk converts from childlike and playful as he sits with two hats on his head like a kid playing party games to seemingly borderline tearful as he receives a round of applause for what is obviously his last cabinet meeting,” James told the Irish Star. 

James observed Musk’s lighthearted entrance. But as applause filled the room, she noted a more vulnerable side emerging. “He moved a long way in the cabinet in a short space of time. His first meeting saw him standing in the sidelines while the cabinet members adopted a variety of stony facial expressions during his 'pitch.' Now he has a seat at the table and some smiles and nods of acceptance but possibly only because they know he is on his way back to his businesses."

She also pointed out Trump’s tone, which she described as “fondly parental,” saying the president spoke as if “letting a bird fly free again.”