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Barred from the closed-door discussion, the 22-year-old was later seen on camera picking up her things from the dais and making a quiet exit.

As soon as Trump took the dais, Democratic lawmakers raised small black signs saying “Save Medicaid,” “Musk steals” and “Protect veterans.”

Then, in what Kluwe said was an act of “peaceful civil disobedience,” he took a few steps toward the council dais where he was immediately surrounded by police officers.

By the time of Trump's inauguration, Musk was his right-hand man, seated just behind the president's left shoulder on the dais - an unmistakable symbol of his influence.

Since her announcement, the seat once occupied by Vargas on the dais has sat empty.