In recent years, the role of tech billionaires in politics has become a matter of heated debate. Among them, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has been at the center of speculation regarding his influence on U.S. governance. With former President Donald Trump’s return to power, there are growing concerns that Musk may be exerting an unprecedented level of control over federal policies, governmental restructuring, and economic strategies.
Musk’s Role in the Trump Administration
Elon Musk’s relationship with Donald Trump has been a rollercoaster. Initially a critic, Musk has since become one of Trump’s most influential allies, particularly due to his advocacy for deregulation, privatization, and fiscal conservatism. Trump appointed Musk as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new entity focused on reducing bureaucratic waste and maximizing efficiency within federal agencies.
Under this role, Musk has been granted access to crucial government operations, including financial oversight of federal expenditures. Reports suggest that Musk has personally approved or vetoed major budgetary allocations, halting funding to certain governmental agencies he deems unnecessary. This level of influence has sparked concerns among lawmakers, as an unelected individual appears to wield significant power over taxpayer funds.
How Different Is Trump’s Administration Compared to the Past?
Trump’s new administration is fundamentally different from past presidencies in its approach to governance. While previous presidents relied on traditional government structures, Trump’s second term is marked by an unprecedented level of involvement from private sector figures. This shift can be observed in the dissolution or restructuring of major government agencies under Musk’s oversight.
For instance, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been significantly downsized, with foreign aid now being distributed based on Musk’s “impact investment” philosophy. Similarly, Trump’s administration has pushed for the privatization of space exploration, granting SpaceX exclusive government contracts that NASA once controlled.
Furthermore, regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have seen severe budget cuts, with Musk advocating for “market-driven environmental solutions” rather than traditional regulatory frameworks. These radical departures from previous administrations signal a shift towards a governance model that prioritizes corporate influence over institutional expertise.
Will Trump’s Actions Really Bring Peace to the World?
Trump has frequently claimed that his policies are designed to bring peace and stability to the world. However, the reality is more complex. One of the most controversial proposals under his administration is the idea of U.S. intervention in Gaza to “redevelop” the region under American control. This plan, reportedly influenced by Musk’s vision for urban development, has drawn sharp criticism from international leaders and human rights organizations.
Additionally, Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including high tariffs on Chinese imports and the renegotiation of key international agreements, have further strained global diplomatic relations. While these measures are intended to bolster the American economy, they have also fueled geopolitical tensions, making global peace an increasingly elusive goal.
Musk’s Ideology?
Elon Musk’s approach to governance, characterized by radical efficiency and technological determinism, has led some to question whether Trump is being unduly influenced by his ideology. Musk’s belief in automation, artificial intelligence, and minimal government intervention is fundamentally at odds with traditional democratic governance, which relies on checks and balances.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern that Musk’s control over government operations could erode democratic institutions. The fear is that his corporate-driven policies prioritize technological advancement and economic gains over social welfare and public accountability. Critics argue that Musk’s presence in the administration represents a shift towards a technocratic governance model, which could weaken the role of elected officials.
Why Are Capitalists Afraid
The global capitalist class has responded to Trump’s policies with a mix of optimism and anxiety. On one hand, deregulation and tax cuts have benefited large corporations, particularly in the tech and defense sectors. On the other hand, the unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies has created significant market instability.
Many multinational corporations fear that sudden shifts in U.S. policy—such as tariffs, sanctions, and trade embargoes—could disrupt global supply chains. For example, Trump’s continued economic conflict with China has led to increased uncertainty in industries reliant on Chinese manufacturing, such as semiconductors and electric vehicles. This uncertainty has made international investors wary of engaging in long-term ventures with American firms.
Moreover, Musk’s advocacy for de-globalization—favoring American-made production over foreign imports—has alarmed business leaders who depend on international markets. The fear is that America’s inward-looking economic policies could weaken globalization, leading to an era of economic nationalism that restricts free trade.
Global Trade
Trump’s economic policies have already left a lasting impact on global trade. The ongoing trade war with China, heightened tariffs on European goods, and the renegotiation of NAFTA into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) have reshaped the international economic landscape.
One of the most significant shifts under Musk’s influence has been the acceleration of automation in manufacturing. As Musk pushes for AI-driven production facilities in the U.S., many companies are investing in automation to mitigate the risks of tariffs and supply chain disruptions. While this benefits American manufacturing in the short term, it also threatens global labor markets, as traditional manufacturing jobs continue to decline.
Additionally, the administration’s restrictive immigration policies have created labor shortages in key industries, affecting everything from agriculture to high-tech engineering. Many foreign workers, once integral to the U.S. economy, are now facing barriers to entry, leading to economic slowdowns in sectors that rely on skilled labor.
Conclusion
The growing collaboration between Elon Musk and Donald Trump is reshaping the U.S. government in ways that challenge traditional governance structures. While Musk’s influence has led to greater efficiency and cost-cutting measures, it has also raised concerns about democratic accountability and the erosion of institutional oversight.
Trump’s economic and foreign policies, heavily influenced by Musk’s vision, have created a new era of uncertainty in global politics and trade. Whether these changes will lead to long-term prosperity or further destabilization remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the intersection of political power and technological influence is shaping a new paradigm in American governance—one that could have far-reaching consequences for the world.
References
- The Guardian (2025). While Trump blathers about tariffs and Gaza, Musk is executing a coup d’état. Retrieved from theguardian.com
- The Wall Street Journal (2025). Trump Is Changing the World Order With Unprecedented Speed. Retrieved from wsj.com
- Associated Press (2025). Trump’s 3rd week saw more executive orders, a trade war that wasn’t and a Mideast jolt. Retrieved from apnews.com
- The Atlantic (2025). Elon Musk Is President. Retrieved from theatlantic.com
- Pew Research Center (2025). Public Anticipates Changes With Trump but Is Split Over Whether They Will Be Good or Bad. Retrieved from pewresearch.org
