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Elon Musk has established himself as a major figure in the early days of Donald Trump’s second presidency, securing an influential role in the administration despite tensions within Trump’s inner circle. From attending Trump’s swearing-in ceremony to receiving a government email address and office space, Musk has quickly embedded himself in the White House, overseeing the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
His influence extends beyond policy discussions, as he has played a role in decisions affecting federal employees, including buyouts ahead of a mandated return to in-person work.
Trump has openly praised Musk, highlighting his contributions to SpaceX and national space ambitions. In his inauguration speech, Trump pledged to “pursue our manifest destiny into the stars” and reiterated his commitment to space exploration. Shortly after, he tasked Musk with overseeing the return of two NASA astronauts from the International Space Station, blaming the Biden administration for allegedly leaving them stranded.
While the return mission was already scheduled, Trump framed Musk’s involvement as a decisive intervention.
Despite Trump’s endorsement, Musk’s presence in Washington has not been without controversy. He sparked criticism on Inauguration Day after making a gesture that some likened to a Nazi salute. The backlash over the incident was amplified by Musk’s own dismissive responses.
Additionally, he publicly criticized a major investment that Trump had touted, creating further friction. While Trump has defended Musk, calling him a “visionary,” some within Trump’s circle are skeptical about how long their alliance will last.
One Trump insider suggested that Musk’s influence may wane over time, citing his unpredictable nature and frequent missteps. “At some point, he’s going to lose his luster,” the source said. “He’s a little bit goofy, too many unforced errors.”
Another source familiar with the situation noted that Musk is still adjusting to the political landscape of Washington, which is significantly different from his comfort zone at Mar-a-Lago. Unlike Trump’s close-knit circle in Florida, the power dynamics in Washington are far more complex, requiring Musk to navigate competing interests and internal rivalries.
One of the biggest points of contention has been Musk’s stance on immigration. A vocal advocate for expanding H-1B visas, Musk has clashed with some of Trump’s hardline allies, who view his position as a betrayal of MAGA principles. The rift has been further exacerbated by his feud with Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist.
Bannon has criticized Musk over his opposition to Trump’s artificial intelligence initiative, Stargate, which seeks to develop a government-controlled AI infrastructure. This ideological battle within the administration reflects a broader struggle for Trump’s attention between nationalist-populists like Bannon and Silicon Valley power players like Musk.
Jordan Wood, a former Trump administration aide, downplayed speculation of a rift between Musk and Trump, instead pointing to the growing tension between Musk and Bannon’s camp. “The real friction in this White House isn’t between Trump and Elon—it’s between Elon and Steve Bannon,” Wood said. “It’s a battle of ideology and influence for the president’s attention.”
Vivek Ramaswamy, who co-led DOGE, has recently departed to prepare for a gubernatorial bid in Ohio. Reports suggest that tensions between him and Musk contributed to his exit, though Ramaswamy has denied any conflict.
A source close to Trump’s team suggested that Ramaswamy had “worn out his welcome” and that Musk’s financial contributions to Trump’s campaign had secured him a much longer leash. “The difference between Vivek and Musk is that Vivek didn’t put $200 million in, so Elon’s got more room to operate,” the source added.
Internal disputes have not been limited to Ramaswamy. Bill McGinley, originally tapped as White House counsel before being reassigned to DOGE, left just days after Trump took office.
A source described DOGE as a “mess” and implied that its dysfunction contributed to McGinley’s departure. Despite these internal struggles, Musk remains a dominant force in the administration, with Trump continuing to back him publicly.
Even as Trump faces criticism for his close ties to Musk, many allies believe the relationship is too valuable to sever. Musk’s vast wealth and social media influence provide Trump with a powerful platform to push his agenda. His financial support, estimated in the hundreds of millions, has also strengthened his standing in Trump’s inner circle.
Trump has also defended Musk against criticism from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, further solidifying their alliance. While Trump is known to demand loyalty, he appears to have granted Musk more freedom than most. “Trump doesn’t like when people deviate from his message,” said one Trump ally. “But Elon is different—he’s an out-of-the-box thinker, and that’s what Trump values.”
Despite internal skepticism, Trump’s reliance on Musk suggests that their alliance is unlikely to break anytime soon.
As one Trump strategist put it, “Trump isn’t going to turn his back on someone who wields immense influence and has written massive checks to his campaign.” Musk, for now, remains firmly entrenched in Trump’s administration, and his role is only expected to expand in the months ahead.
