Elon Musk has reportedly been spending “nearly every day” alongside President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, sharing meals, joining golf outings, and even weighing in on calls with world leaders, according to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins.
Musk, known for leading tech giants Tesla and SpaceX, has been “in the room when world leaders called Trump, and tonight we’ve learned he’s also weighing in on staffing decisions,” Collins reported.
Musk’s influence has reportedly stirred concerns among Trump insiders, who noted his “preference for certain roles” in the incoming administration.
Veteran tech journalist Kara Swisher shared that Trump aides were “unnerved” by Musk’s level of influence.
“He definitely inserts himself all the time; that’s his style. That’s why he’s just suddenly shown up there like the guest that wouldn’t leave,” Swisher said. “I’ve heard from Trump people calling me saying ‘oh wow, this is odd.’ And I’m like yeah it is, you’ll see much more of it.”
Musk’s support for Trump extends beyond Mar-a-Lago, as he has publicly backed Trump throughout the campaign and contributed over $132 million to Trump and other Republican candidates.
Additionally, he’s been seen frequently in Trump family photos, standing beside them at rallies and posing on the golf course with Trump’s granddaughter, Kai.
Swisher speculated that Musk’s attraction to Trump stems from the former president’s wealth and “nerd glamour.”
She remarked, “He wants influence. And since he can’t run for president, because he comes from South Africa, he’s going to try to exert as much influence as possible in these first critical days to get what he wants. It’s always about what Elon Musk wants, just remember that.”
This growing relationship, however, may face challenges. Swisher noted that Trump “goes through people like tissues” and is known for falling out with close allies.
For now, Musk remains a highly influential figure within Trump’s inner circle, yet some question how long this alliance will endure.
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