The richest man on the planet was alongside Donald Trump during the president-elect’s meeting with the Republican group of the House of Representatives this Wednesday morning. The news of his presence in Washington did not surprise those who read the article (free link) devoted to the New York Times to “uncle” Elon Musk, the word uncle being the title conferred on him by Kai Trump, Trump’s granddaughter, because of the place he now occupies in the family.
The Times writes: “In almost every meeting President-elect Donald J. Trump holds at Mar-a-Lago, there is someone at his side who was elected to nothing, who was appointed to nothing and who, only a few months ago, had no meaningful relationship with him. Elon Musk. The world’s richest person has risen to a position of extraordinary, unofficial influence in Mr. Trump’s transition process, playing a role that arguably makes him America’s most powerful private citizen. He’s attended almost every job interview for the Trump team and has become friends with the Trump family, and he’s trying to install his Silicon Valley friends in important positions in the next administration. »
In fact, Trump named Trump Tuesday night to head a commission called the Department of Government Efficiency, whose goal will be to “dismantle government bureaucracy.” Beyond this mission, which he will have to report on by July 4, 2026, Musk already plays a role which places him in a situation of monumental conflict of interest, his company SpaceX, having won very important and numerous government contracts .
Not everyone in Trump’s entourage approves of Musk’s role, according to anonymous sources cited by NBC News.
“The sources said Musk’s near-constant presence at Mar-a-Lago in the week after Election Day began to wear on people who have been in Trump’s inner circle longer as the technology billionaire and who consider that he has exceeded his role in the transition. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly. “He acts like he’s co-chair and makes sure everyone knows it,” one of these people said of Musk. And he certainly takes credit for the president’s victory. He brags about America’s PAC and X to anyone who will listen. He’s trying to make President Trump feel indebted to him. And the president is not beholden to anyone,” this person added. »
It remains to be seen whether Trump will one day find that “uncle” Elon overshadows him a little too much.
(Screenshot photo)
I like this:
I like loading…
