OXON HILL, Md. — During the annual meeting of conservative activists, red “Make America Great Again” hats, originally made famous by President Donald Trump, were seen alongside a significant number of black “Dark MAGA” hats that have gained popularity through Elon Musk. This juxtaposition highlights Musk’s growing influence and his unexpected transition from being a supporter of Democratic leaders like Barack Obama and Joe Biden to becoming a conservative figure connected to Trump.
Attendees expressed their admiration for Musk. Whitney Mason, a 62-year-old real estate agent from Seattle, described him as “an authentic and unique individual” and expressed her appreciation for his alignment with conservative values. Musk made a surprise appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he took the stage wielding a chainsaw, emphasizing his role and influence just days after the Trump administration claimed in court that Musk was not overseeing his own government initiative.
Throughout the conference, speakers frequently referenced DOGE, a cryptocurrency that gained fame through Musk’s endorsement in 2021, using terms like “white knight,” “hero of free speech,” and even “Superman.” House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Musk’s initiatives, stating, “They have cracked the code” of government bureaucracy, highlighting Musk’s involvement in navigating complex regulatory challenges.
The administration, under Musk’s guidance, has dismissed numerous federal employees abruptly, offering them resignation options while streamlining operations without requiring congressional consent. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022, committed to identifying areas to eliminate waste and save taxpayer dollars, a move that has raised confusion and prompted protests within various government agencies.
While Trump delivered a speech at CPAC on Saturday, Musk announced that federal employees would be receiving an email that detailed their recent achievements, warning that failure to engage would be interpreted as a resignation. Trump lauded Musk, saying, “He’s a character,” and affirmed that “Elon is doing a great job.”
Despite admiration from supporters, critics have expressed concerns that Musk’s close affiliation with Trump could yield benefits amid several federal investigations and regulatory challenges facing his companies. Concerns about the potential reduction in regulatory protections for workers were articulated by Colin McEvers, a politically engaged 19-year-old who praised Musk’s business sense but questioned the implications of concentrated power in the hands of the wealthiest individual.
McEvers acknowledged the merits of government efficiency but also pointed out the potential for self-serving interests, especially as Musk navigates significant regulations that could impact his business operations. “Do I think there could be a lot of self-interest involved with him,” he said, expressing worries about the implications of having someone like Musk wield substantial influence in government.
Although no specific actions detailing benefits for Tesla or Musk’s other ventures have been announced, Musk’s perspectives, particularly regarding H-1B visas, have drawn scrutiny from prominent MAGA figures, including Steve Bannon. The criticism stems from Musk’s South African origins, coupled with past discussions surrounding his visa status.
Bannon has previously labeled Musk as a “parasitic illegal immigrant” and cautioned that he might abandon Trump when it no longer serves his interests. Notably, Bannon faced backlash for gestures he made at CPAC that some interpreted as controversial. Meanwhile, a gathering of over a thousand anti-Trump activists took place nearby at the Principles First Summit, where billionaire Mark Cuban accused Musk of undermining Trump’s efforts and failing to support those who voted for the President.
Trump later posted on social media expressing a desire for Musk to take on a more aggressive stance. He dismissed concerns regarding Musk’s lack of an official government position by claiming that Musk is viewed as a patriot. Despite the complexity surrounding Musk’s influence, it is becoming increasingly clear that he is positioning himself as a major player within the conservative movement.
