Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, appears to be solidifying his position as a significant figure in President-elect Donald Trump’s circle. Recently, Musk joked that he was “happy to be first buddy” to Trump, following growing speculation about his increasing role in the president-elect’s post-election plans. Musk’s growing connection with Trump has attracted attention, with some even describing him as an “unofficial co-president” or a trusted confidant.
Musk’s involvement in Trump’s transition process has been highly visible, with reports indicating that he has attended meetings, joined calls, and participated in discussions about potential cabinet selections. The Washington Post noted that Musk had taken on a key role, even reportedly heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he would work alongside Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy. His influence, both domestically and internationally, has been significant, including advising Trump on strategies regarding foreign leaders such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In addition to diplomacy, Musk has become an increasingly important figure in Trump’s domestic affairs. Musk was present at Mar-a-Lago when Zelenskyy called to congratulate Trump on his victory and has been involved in calls with other world leaders, with his Starlink service playing a crucial role in Ukraine’s communication during the ongoing conflict. Musk’s influence in Trump’s decision-making processes has continued to grow, and he is often seen at Trump’s Palm Beach residence, where he now trades his casual attire for formal suits, further establishing himself as an influential figure within the Trump administration.
Trump has publicly praised Musk, even receiving a standing ovation during a meeting with Republican lawmakers. Musk’s close ties to Trump have been embraced by the president’s family as well. Kai Trump, the president-elect’s granddaughter, referred to Musk as being part of the family, calling him “uncle status” in a post on X. Musk’s growing presence in Trump’s orbit has caused some friction with longtime Trump advisers, according to sources close to the situation. Despite the unease, Musk remains deeply involved in key meetings, cabinet discussions, and other strategic decisions.
Musk’s role has been described as one of “extraordinary, unofficial influence,” with The New York Times calling him potentially “America’s most powerful private citizen.” While some insiders feel that Musk’s increasing influence is causing tension, his deep involvement in shaping Trump’s administration is evident, positioning him as a major force in the political landscape moving forward.
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