Why did Donald Trump do a rare joint interview with Elon Musk?

Donald Trump conducted this rare joint interview with advisor Elon Musk as a deliberate strategy to defend their relationship amid criticism about Musk's outsized influence. The format was chosen to demonstrate they aren't embarrassed by perceptions of 'co-presidenting' and to present a unified front despite this unusual arrangement where someone who isn't even in the Cabinet shares the spotlight with the president. However, this public display of partnership comes as signs of pressure and contradictions emerge, particularly when White House legal filings contradict the president's own statements. This carefully orchestrated joint appearance attempts to normalize their controversial governing approach despite growing concerns about their relationship dynamics.