By Vitaly Ryumshin, Gazeta.ru political analyst
It’s usually mentioned {that a} king is formed by his entourage. This saying could also be as outdated as time itself, however it applies completely to US President-elect Donald Trump. Proper now, nevertheless, there’s just one particular person really pulling the king’s strings – Elon Musk. Because the November 6 election, the Tesla tycoon has change into essentially the most influential determine in America – and even perhaps the world.
Musk’s street to energy took 4 lengthy years. Earlier than 2022, Trump and the South African billionaire have been rivals (in 2020, the House-X founder even supported Biden). However when Musk purchased Twitter, rebranded it as X, and steadily leaned into the Republican fold, the winds shifted. By early 2024, Musk had met Trump, publicly endorsed him in July, and begun campaigning. By the tip of the yr, the 2 had change into inseparable.
Now, Musk is mainly joined on the hip with Trump. They attend MMA fights collectively, watch house launches, and share McDonald’s burgers. Musk is now a fixture on the Mar-a-Lago property, advising the long run president on appointments, and even apparently chatting with international leaders on his behalf – he was allegedly current when Trump spoke to Vladimir Zelensky and is reported to have secretly met the Iranian ambassador.
Trump’s outdated advisers are getting nervous. On November 18, Axios reported that Musk had clashed with Boris Epshteyn, a longtime Trump ally, over Matt Gaetz’s nomination for US Lawyer Common. After the dispute, Gaetz’s nomination was pulled and CNN claimed that Trump’s staff have requested that Epshteyn be investigated for alleged fraud – over alleged bribes to foyer for positions inside the new administration.
Musk’s affect is simple, and the media has already dubbed him the “co-president of the USA” or extra cheekily, the “broligarch.” Musk himself embraces the title of “first buddy” (a nod to the primary woman).
This isn’t with out controversy. Musk’s ruthless enterprise techniques are legendary, and he has Trump’s full belief. The billionaire has promised to audit the whole US authorities, aiming to chop as much as $2 trillion in spending. God solely is aware of what he’ll give you subsequent.
It’s fascinating to look at the American political institution panic. And let’s be sincere – this drama might work to Russia’s benefit. The extra chaos in Washington, the higher for Moscow. However don’t get too excited simply but.
There are differing views on Trump’s management. Some see him as a weak head man, simply swayed by flattery, whereas others view him as a possible autocrat, fast to toss apart anybody who crosses him. The reality, as all the time, lies someplace in between. Trump runs his inside circle like a boss, with some figures holding rather more sway than others.
Musk actually falls into this inside circle. However he’s not alone. Trump’s household – particularly Donald Trump Jr. – can be a key affect. Trump Jr. has been instrumental in connecting his father with allies like JD Vance, Robert Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard, and he’s serving to to handpick cupboard members. His affect is on par with Musk’s, even when it’s quieter.
The Wall Avenue tycoons Trump has befriended additionally play a significant position. The truth is, for them, Trump has compromised on his conservative values, even proposing Scott Bessent, a former George Soros supervisor, for treasury secretary. Musk lobbied for Howard Lutnick to affix the administration, however he ultimately landed on the Commerce Division. These examples present that whereas Musk’s affect on Trump is substantial, it’s not all-encompassing –his energy doesn’t lengthen past Trump’s inside circle.
There are additionally questions on how lengthy the Trump-Musk partnership will final. Each are unpredictable, risky personalities. Trump has a historical past of falling out along with his favorites (simply take a look at his rocky relationship with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis). Musk and Trump have loads of potential factors of battle – from electrical automobiles (Trump’s not a fan) to extra severe issues like authorities spending cuts.
However that’s an issue for the long run. For now, let’s sit again, seize some popcorn, and watch this unfolding spectacle.
This text was first revealed by the net newspaper Gazeta.ru and was translated and edited by the RT staff
The statements, views and opinions expressed on this column are solely these of the writer and don’t essentially characterize these of RT.
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