Billionaire Elon Musk’s Influence on President-Elect Trump’s Policies May be Unprecedented
Donald Trump will be taking the presidential oath next week, but in some respects, billionaire Elon Musk might as well place his hand on the Bible too. In an unprecedented relationship for modern US history, Trump will be heading into the White House shadowed by an advisor who is not only the world’s richest person but also shares the incoming president’s wild ambition, hard-right politics, and media influence.
Musk’s bankrolling of Trump’s third tilt at the US presidency has sealed the deal, making the duo an extraordinary force in the world of politics. They have an enormous collective power over messaging, with Musk turning his social media platform into a haven for right-wingers and Trump enjoying friendly coverage from a conservative media ecosystem. They also share a love for provocative theatrics.
However, their marriage may be plagued by conflicts of interest, with Musk’s government contractor status and plans to slash federal spending and regulations causing friction. Trump’s appointment of Musk to head this plan has raised concerns, with critics questioning how such sweeping changes could be implemented without creating conflicts of interest.
Industry experts warn that the duo’s relationship risks generating friction in the long run, given their high-profile nature and conflicting interests. Others see their partnership as reminiscent of the “robber barons” of the late 19th and 20th centuries, who used their economic power and political influence to further their interests.
As Trump takes office, it remains to be seen whether the Oval Office will be big enough for these two outsized personalities and the mountain of conflicts of interest accompanying them.
