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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 holds up a chainsaw he received from Argentina's President Javier Milei, right, as they arrive to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
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Steve Bannon speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Elon Musk speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Overview

  • 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.