'Annoyed' Trump considering options as allies engage in 'messy' public battle: report

A delay in Donald Trump making a selection on who he wants in the key role of secretary of the U.S. Treasury has led him to consider a third option after key advisors let the battle spill into public.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, there have been two likely nominees being considered: billionaire businessman Howard Lutnick and investor Scott Bessent whom the former president has praised previously.

The Journal is reporting that Lutnick had previously been considered the leading candidate but, after reports came out that his star was falling which pushed Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. into action.

ALSO READ: Why Trump voters should be held accountable for their choice

The report notes, "Musk’s support for Lutnick even went as far as to discredit another finalist for the job, investor Scott Bessent, whom Trump has expressed great admiration for and who is considered a top contender. Late Friday, it appeared Lutnick had begun to fall out of the running for the job, people familiar with the matter said, prompting Musk and Kennedy to make their cases in public on Saturday."

The public battle has reportedly gotten under Trump's skin.

"All of the jockeying has at times annoyed Trump and his senior aides, according to people familiar with the matter, prompting some close to him to wonder whether the president-elect will choose a different candidate altogether. Among those Trump’s advisers have discussed for the job: Apollo Global Management Chief Executive Marc Rowan," The Journal is reporting.

Asked for comment about the delay in the selection, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt issued a statement saying: “President-elect Trump is making decisions on who will serve in his second Administration. Those decisions will continue to be announced by him when they are made.”

You can read more here.