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3mo ago

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.