Elon Musk’s support in helping Donald Trump secure the U.S. presidency has positioned him uniquely to shape federal policy and protect his business interests by placing close allies within the new administration. Musk is now set to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, with plans to cut $2 trillion from the budget and reduce regulations he believes stifle innovation. This role allows him to maintain oversight of his companies—Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and more—while empowering his trusted team to drive his vision in government.
Musk’s Inner Circle: Who’s Who
Musk is renowned for relying on a tight-knit group of trusted executives, each known for their relentless work ethic and alignment with his vision. Key figures include:
- Steve Davis: President of The Boring Company, known for handling challenging tasks, such as overseeing mass layoffs at Twitter (now X) after Musk’s acquisition.
- Omead Afshar: Described as Musk’s “firefighter,” Afshar has led high-stakes projects like Tesla’s Giga Texas factory and is known for his ability to get tough jobs done.
- Jared Birchall: Musk’s family office manager, responsible for handling major deals, including Musk’s Twitter acquisition and other high-profile financial negotiations.
Musk’s circle also includes influential figures in the tech and finance sectors, such as venture capitalists David Sacks and Jason Calacanis, who were instrumental during the Twitter takeover. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and Palantir’s Joe Lonsdale are also among his supporters, often contributing to policy discussions on Musk’s social platform, X.
Business Meets Politics
The relationship between Musk’s businesses and the government is complex. With SpaceX facing regulatory challenges from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Musk’s direct line to Trump could be advantageous in overcoming these hurdles. He’s already suggested placing SpaceX executives in Department of Defence roles and is advocating for policy changes to benefit Tesla’s AI and autonomous driving ambitions, which are currently limited by stringent regulations.
As Trump’s second term begins, Musk’s team is poised to influence key areas like defence, AI, and infrastructure. Musk’s approach combines boldness with detailed understanding, making his role in shaping the new administration’s policies both ambitious and closely watched.
A New Era of Government Reform
For Musk, government reform is now as important as his entrepreneurial ventures. As he brings his “A-team” into Trump’s administration, he aims not just to place loyal figures in strategic positions but to push an agenda focused on faster, innovation-friendly governance.
Source: (FT.com)
