Elon Musk's Growing Role in Trump Administration Fuels Political Divide
Musk's influence as head of the Department of Government Efficiency sparks both conservative praise and backlash over his controversial cost-cutting measures.
- Elon Musk's appearance at CPAC, wielding a chainsaw symbolizing his push to cut bureaucracy, solidified his status as a key figure in the MAGA movement.
- Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has drastically reduced federal workers and programs, drawing both praise for fiscal discipline and criticism for chaos and overreach.
- Critics, including former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, warn of Musk's growing influence over Trump and potential conflicts of interest tied to his business ventures like SpaceX and Tesla.
- A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates 71% of Americans believe the wealthy have too much influence on the White House, with concerns over Musk's impact on social programs and regulations.
- Democrats and some conservatives see Musk's role as a potential wedge in the Trump coalition, highlighting tensions between populist and corporate factions within the movement.
The Hill 
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