Former CNN anchor Don Lemon took to the streets of New York City, engaging with pedestrians about the notion of Elon Musk as a "shadow president" influencing Donald Trump. Lemon's conversations, documented on his TikTok account, unveiled a spectrum of opinions on the matter.

One interaction involved a TikToker and former professional soccer player, Will John, who questioned the validity of the "President Musk" label. John challenged Lemon's assertion that Democrats were widely using the term, prompting Lemon to suggest a quick online search. John complied, but expressed skepticism towards mainstream news sources reporting on the topic. He emphasized a growing distrust in traditional media, highlighting the rising influence of independent news and voices like his own.

Other interviewees offered diverse perspectives. One woman found the idea of Musk wielding such influence peculiar, questioning his suitability for such a role. Another dismissed it as mere "internet chatter," emphasizing Musk's absence from the ballot. A third acknowledged Musk's governmental sway, though not in an electoral context. When asked about Trump's tolerance for the "President Musk" moniker, one respondent speculated that Trump's focus on financial contributions from Musk would override any concerns about titles.

One man claimed to have encountered the term, describing Musk as a "vice president-elect" figure to Trump, but predicted a shift in this dynamic. He expressed pessimism about the political landscape, criticizing Musk's support of Trump. Lemon's street interviews highlighted the varied public perceptions of Musk's political influence and its relationship to the Trump presidency.

The narrative of Musk as a "shadow president" has also been echoed by some liberal media commentators, with figures like MSNBC's Chris Hayes asserting Musk's significant influence over House Republicans. However, the Trump-Vance Transition team refuted this narrative, emphasizing Trump's leadership within the Republican Party.