It is often said that a leader is shaped by the company they keep, and nowhere is this more evident than in the relationship between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Since Trump’s victory in the November 6 election, Musk has emerged not only as a key adviser but as an inseparable figure in the president-elect’s orbit, earning nicknames like “co-president” and “first buddy.”
Musk’s ascent to influence was anything but overnight. Just four years ago, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO was a vocal supporter of Trump’s rival, Joe Biden, during the 2020 presidential election. However, the dynamics began to shift in 2022, when Musk acquired Twitter, rebranded it as X, and gradually aligned himself with the Republican Party. By mid-2024, Musk had publicly endorsed Trump and become a central figure in his campaign, culminating in a relationship that now dominates political headlines.
Musk and Trump’s partnership has grown remarkably close. From attending MMA fights together to hosting discussions at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, the two are nearly inseparable. Musk’s role isn’t limited to casual camaraderie; he has reportedly advised Trump on cabinet appointments, engaged in conversations with foreign leaders, and weighed in on key policy decisions.
However, Musk’s growing influence has raised eyebrows, particularly among Trump’s longtime advisers. A recent report by Axios detailed a clash between Musk and Trump confidant Boris Epshteyn over the nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. The fallout saw Gaetz’s nomination withdrawn and subsequent allegations of fraud leveled against Epshteyn, showcasing Musk’s sway within Trump’s inner circle.
Musk has embraced his new political role with gusto, openly discussing plans to audit the federal government and proposing cuts to reduce spending by as much as $2 trillion. While some see his actions as bold and necessary, others view them as emblematic of the billionaire’s ruthless business tactics. The media has been quick to label Musk as the “broligarch” or even a shadow “co-president,” emphasizing his unique place in the incoming administration.
Yet, Musk’s influence isn’t without limits. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., remains a key figure in shaping his father’s decisions, leveraging connections with allies like Robert Kennedy Jr. and JD Vance to bolster the administration’s power base. Additionally, Trump’s alliances with Wall Street magnates have tempered Musk’s dominance, with figures like Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick securing prominent roles despite Musk’s lobbying efforts.
Despite their current alignment, the Trump-Musk partnership may not be built to last. Both men are known for their volatile personalities, and potential conflicts loom on the horizon. Issues ranging from Musk’s electric vehicle empire—an industry Trump has often criticized—to disagreements over fiscal policy could strain their alliance.
For now, however, Musk’s role in Trump’s administration marks a fascinating chapter in American politics. Whether he will remain a steadfast ally or join the list of Trump’s discarded confidants is a question only time can answer. Until then, the spectacle of their partnership continues to captivate both Washington insiders and the world at large.
As the saying goes, power shapes those who wield it—and those who help wield it for others.
By Vitaly Ryumshin, Gazeta.ru political analyst
