Donald Trump is set to take the presidential oath next week, and billionaire Elon Musk will be a significant presence in this administration. Musk, known for his wealth, ambition, and influence, matches Trump in his media presence and hard-right political stance.
Trump will enter the White House with Musk as a key adviser, reflecting an unprecedented relationship in modern US history. However, Lorenzo Castellani, a history professor at Rome’s Luiss Guido Carli, sees potential for conflict due to their strong personalities and ambitious agendas.
Musk is leading an initiative to cut federal spending and regulations, which appeals to right-wing supporters. Yet, the specifics of these plans remain unclear, particularly how they will avoid conflicts of interest since Musk benefits significantly from government contracts.
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, Musk faces his first political challenges. Initially promising to cut $2 trillion, Musk has adjusted his target to $1 trillion—a monumental task in a government budget of about $7 trillion.
Musk’s Prevalence in Political Circles
Musk’s involvement extends beyond policy planning. He has been a constant figure alongside Trump, attending meetings with business leaders and foreign delegations and sharing personal moments, such as dancing at a New Year’s Eve party.
According to Castellani, Musk’s role is reminiscent of the historical “robber barons” who wielded significant economic and political power.
Musk has actively supported far-right movements and engaged in European controversies, using his platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticise and challenge political figures. His actions have caused ripples across political landscapes in Britain and the European Commission.
Musk’s libertarian, small-government stance resonates with other businessmen around Trump, highlighting a division within the right. Traditional supporters see these wealthy figures as contrary to Trump’s anti-globalization campaign message.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a fellow business leader and government efficiency co-chair with Musk, stirred controversy by defending a visa program for highly skilled workers, sparking backlash from core Trump supporters.
Experts like Margaret O’Mara and Peter Loge note that Musk thrives on the attention his bold actions and statements attract, aligning well with Trump’s preferences for loyalty and affirmation.
In conclusion, as Trump prepares to begin his term, Musk’s prominent role could significantly shape the administration’s direction and interactions with allies and critics.
