With his aggressive cost-cutting and unpredictable impact, Elon Musk, now a prominent informal counselor to Trump, has helped modify federal policy, remove officials like DeJoy, and incite tensions inside the administration.
After receiving criticism from Elon Musk during a private meeting with Trump at his Bedminster estate, US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy abruptly quit. Trump, who was already annoyed with DeJoy’s opposition to cost-cutting and privatization, decided to fire him soon after Musk voiced his worries. DeJoy quit within days, indicating Musk’s increasing influence over Trump’s second-term staff and policies, according to the Wall Street Journal.
An unpaid advisor who has access to the Oval Office every day
Musk has become one of Trump’s closest confidants despite his informal, unpaid position; he speaks with him every day, attends high-profile events with him, and has walk-in access to the Oval Office. Although Musk and Trump have quite different personalities—Musk is casual and awkward, while Trump is a conventional host who enjoys golf and formality—they both despise foreign aid and government bureaucracy and want to restructure federal operations.
Cabinet pushback and internal friction
Trump’s senior aides and cabinet have become frustrated with Musk’s increasing power. Trump told Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to defuse the situation after several secretaries complained about Musk’s tactics during a cabinet meeting in March. Musk and Wiles now meet twice a week. Other executives are unhappy about Musk’s access and laissez-faire style, which are supported by his strong relationship with top advisor Stephen Miller and Miller’s wife, Katie. This is especially true given that Musk is still a temporary employee with no official accountability.
Managing delicate issues, voicing concerns
Some in the government are concerned about Musk’s engagement in national affairs, including a possible briefing on US and Chinese war plans at the Pentagon. Trump privately voiced concerns about a conflict of interest because of Musk’s financial connections to China but publicly denied rumors of the encounter. Musk continues to be involved in important choices in spite of these incidents, such as advising on federal budget cuts and assisting in resolving delays in the new Air Force One.
Using personal and social media platforms to shape policy
Musk uses venues like X to influence Trump’s policies outside of the White House. Musk is now seen by GOP leaders and lobbyists as a crucial channel to Trump, developing initiatives to attract his online attention. For example, a “DOGE dividend” proposal that was shared on X swiftly reached Trump, who approved it the next day. Musk’s quick adoption of inaccurate or partial facts has also resulted in Trump publicly endorsing dubious assertions, such as inflated figures from Social Security databases.
A two-pronged weapon for Republicans
Musk assists Trump in deflecting criticism for unpopular cutbacks, but other GOP leaders are concerned about his unpredictable attitude and stunts, such as brandishing a chainsaw at CPAC. According to reports, Senator Lindsey Graham cautioned colleagues that Musk’s antics might be used as a political advertising weapon. However, unlike previous Republican administrations, Trump appreciates Musk’s support among base supporters and his capacity to “actually cut” the government.
Musk’s departure is imminent, but his impact will endure.
Trump has admitted that Musk will eventually leave his position with the administration and return to his businesses full-time. Officials still anticipate that he will continue to serve as a political ally and informal counselor. As a disruptive and unique player in the inner workings of the government, Musk is still influencing Trump-era policy in real time.
