The spotlight isn’t just on President-elect Donald Trump (78) as the U.S. prepares for his second term—tech billionaire Elon Musk (53) is stealing the show. Dubbed America’s “First Buddy,” Musk has become a key figure in Trump’s orbit, raising questions about the extent of his influence in the incoming administration.
From Political Ally to Trump’s Inner Circle
Musk’s involvement began with a hefty $200 million donation to Trump’s campaign. He then shared the stage during Trump’s victory speech and even temporarily moved into Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida estate, earning the nickname “Uncle Elon.” Since then, the two have been nearly inseparable, with Musk joining Trump at high-profile events, including the recent test flight of Musk’s SpaceX “Mars Rocket” in Texas.
The pair’s bond is on full display: Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck occasionally joins Trump’s motorcade, they’ve been spotted eating McDonald’s burgers aboard Trump Force One, and even attending cage fights together. Compliments flow both ways, with Trump hailing Musk as a “genius” and Musk calling Trump the “savior of America.”
A Shadow President?
Officially, Musk’s future role is to lead the newly created “Department of Government Efficiency,” aimed at cutting bureaucracy. However, his omnipresence suggests a more significant, informal advisory role. Critics wonder if Musk, a native South African, could wield more influence than Vice President-elect JD Vance (40), with some labeling him a potential “shadow president.”
Musk’s influence extends to cabinet appointments, economic strategy, and even foreign policy. Reports reveal Musk participated in Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and allegedly met with Iranian diplomats. These actions have raised concerns about conflicts of interest, as Musk’s companies—like SpaceX—have received nearly $20 billion in contracts from NASA and the Pentagon.
Reaping Rewards and Facing Challenges
Musk’s close ties to Trump have been financially beneficial. Tesla’s stock value has surged, increasing Musk’s net worth by $50 billion to $314 billion. However, his social media platform, X, has faced setbacks due to liberal boycott calls.
Not all of Musk’s efforts have succeeded. He failed to secure a key cabinet role for his ally Howard Lutnick as Treasury Secretary, and reports suggest Trump’s transition team is growing weary of Musk’s overbearing nature.
Trump’s Balancing Act
For now, Trump and his allies remain enthusiastic about Musk’s contributions. An insider told Politico that Trump appreciates Musk’s disregard for public opinion, finding it “refreshing.” However, Trump’s well-known desire to remain the center of attention could pose challenges for Musk.
As Trump’s second term approaches, the political dynamics between the “savior of America” and his “First Buddy” could define the administration—or become its biggest source of friction.
