During the 2024 election season, Donald Trump and Elon Musk seemed to be the unlikely political dynamic duo. Two men, neither from traditional political backgrounds, vying together to be the voice of the United States.
The relationship appeared to be better than ever when President Trump won the election and both the House of Representatives and the Senate secured a Republican majority. This, of course, was all done with the help of Musk through the creation of his super PAC, America PAC. Reports indicate that Musk donated over $290 million to the group during the election cycle. Following this victory, Musk was frequently seen in the Oval Office and was eventually appointed to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, a clear signal of his growing influence in the administration.
In April, however, Musk announced he would be dedicating less time to his position and refocusing attention on Tesla as a result of declining sales. In late May, Musk officially resigned from the Department of Government Efficiency, and began criticizing the administration online, calling President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” a “disgusting abomination.”
Musk voiced concerns about the bill increasing the national deficit, but many believe his real worries stemmed from the removal of electric vehicle tax credits. Trump responded by accusing Musk of acting in self-interest and in turn Musk expressed regret in political involvement.
On Thursday, the two continued to spar online with one of the latest comments from Musk being that Trump would have lost the election without him. This public feud highlights much more than a disagreement in policy, though. It is an obvious struggle for power.
This is a battle over influence and control. It is clear that Trump has a mass following of die-hard supporters, but is Musk right that without his contributions he wouldn’t have his position?
Musk’s immense financial contributions and political maneuverings positioned him as a billionaire with more political control than may be appropriate. Trump, as the sitting president, must maintain his authority and show to the American public that his control is not being overshadowed by a businessman.
This clash reveals the uneasy tension between elected power and the growing influence of private wealth in American politics. It also raises questions about the democratic process itself. It is showing that popular support may not be enough anymore, and that politicians will win if they adjust policies towards the liking of billionaires.
This feud may seem irrelevant, and at times childish, but it is an important reminder to the American public that behind the headlines and personal jabs, real battles for power and influence are shaping the future of our democracy. Most politicians are money hungry, but be weary of the ones that will sacrifice public well-being for power.
