Despite the ironic comments calling him “President Elon” and Democrats’ attempts to cast a shadow over his relationship with Trump, the US president seems to enjoy their collaboration. Last Thursday, Trump praised Musk and his team at DOGE, saying: “Your people are fantastic. We hope they stay for a long time.”
By Politico.eu
President Donald Trump is known for his tendency to surround himself with aides who faithfully follow his orders and fire those who deviate, but Elon Musk is the one person who seems to have made an exception. The CEO of “X” and head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) does not hesitate to publicly disagree with the government in which he participates, even with personal attacks on top executives, without risking being outside the circle of power.
And despite the ironic comments calling him “President Elon” and Democrats’ attempts to cast a shadow over his relationship with Trump, the US president seems to enjoy their collaboration. Last Thursday, Trump praised Musk and his team at DOGE, saying: “Your people are fantastic. We hope they stay for a long time.” According to an analysis by Politico, here are five times Musk went beyond the bounds of a presidential advisor:
ATTACKS ON TARIFFS AND NAVARRO
Musk openly criticized trade adviser Peter Navarro, calling him an “idiot” and “Peter Retarrdo.” The reason was Trump’s tariff policy, which has particularly hit companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Musk, whose companies depend on imported Chinese materials, has lost billions because of the tariffs.
INTERVENTION IN THE NASA BUDGET
Following reports of major cuts at NASA, Musk commented via X that this is a “disturbing” development, although he cannot directly participate in shaping the budget due to SpaceX’s relationship with NASA.
CABINET CLASHES
Musk fell out publicly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio over State Department cuts. Trump tried to defuse the tension by writing on Truth Social: “Elon and Marco have a great relationship. Any statement to the contrary is fake news!!!”
IN FAVOR OF RICK SCOTT FOR REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP IN THE SENATE
Musk openly took a position in favor of Senator Rick Scott in the Republican infighting, while Trump had chosen to keep his distance. He accused Senator June of being a “Democrat darling,” sparking strong reactions.
INTERFERENCE IN THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
Musk publicly supported the far-right AfD in Germany, spoke with its leader Alice Weidel and even appeared at a campaign rally via video. Although Trump keeps his distance from European parties, Musk has continued to have contact with Nigel Farage and criticize the new British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. Despite his conflicts and controversial interventions, Musk remains unscathed. His influence in the Trump administration shows that his dissenting voice continues to be considered valuable in the White House, or at least, valuable enough that his conflicts with senior officials are ignored.
