Donald Trump has been sworn in for a second term, and in the weeks since, a disturbing pattern has emerged: the continued erosion of democratic institutions in favor of billionaires who now hold unprecedented sway over the government. Chief among them is Elon Musk, who has leveraged Trump’s need for powerful allies to embed himself deep within the federal government. A recent TechCrunch report details Musk’s growing control over the inner workings of U.S. agencies, confirming what many feared—a government increasingly shaped by the whims of the ultra-rich, with Trump acting as a willing enabler.
Trump as the Perfect Frontman
For billionaires like Musk, Trump represents a unique asset: a malleable, ego-driven figurehead who can be easily flattered, manipulated, and distracted. His administration has already moved swiftly to dismantle regulatory frameworks, giving free rein to corporate interests in ways that disproportionately benefit figures like Musk. The billionaire’s influence has extended from shaping space policy and AI regulation to securing lucrative government contracts, all under the guise of “innovation” and economic growth.
Musk’s access to Trump is unrivaled. By appealing to the former president’s love of wealth and spectacle, Musk has positioned himself as both an advisor and an indispensable force within the administration. Trump, who thrives on grandiose narratives and powerful allies, sees Musk as a genius and has granted him influence in critical areas of governance, from the Department of Defense to infrastructure planning.
A Boon for Right-Wing Politicians
Trump’s return has emboldened right-wing politicians who see his presidency as a vehicle for reshaping democracy to their advantage. His administration, now more than ever, is willing to bend institutions to serve the interests of the elite. Figures like Musk have exploited this, using their proximity to power to secure policy changes that benefit their businesses and personal wealth while reinforcing the narrative that they are “saving” the country from bureaucratic inefficiency.
Musk’s ideology aligns with Trump’s in critical ways: a disdain for regulation, an open hostility toward the press, and an eagerness to upend traditional governance structures. With Musk now playing a major role in setting policy, elected officials are increasingly sidelined in favor of a governance model where the richest individuals hold the real decision-making power.
The Influence Ecosystem
Trump’s chaotic leadership style continues to fuel the outrage economy, but Musk has taken it a step further. Owning social media platforms and having unparalleled government influence, Musk has become a central figure in shaping public discourse. By controlling communication channels and securing preferential government contracts, Musk ensures that the administration’s policies—many of which benefit him personally—are framed as necessary progress.
In this new reality, social media influencers and right-wing pundits no longer merely support Trump; they amplify Musk’s vision of an America where private industry dictates national priorities. This shift is subtle but profound, marking a departure from traditional governance toward an oligarchic model where billionaires exert direct control over state functions.
The Geopolitical Dimension
Trump’s affinity for strongmen and oligarchs extends beyond America’s borders. With Musk’s growing influence over government technology and infrastructure, foreign adversaries are keenly aware of how easily they can exploit these relationships. Musk’s expansive business empire, from AI to space technology, presents clear national security risks. Yet under Trump, oversight mechanisms have been dismantled, leaving critical infrastructure and military assets in the hands of an individual whose priorities are dictated by profit rather than national interest.
The U.S. intelligence community has already warned about the risks of tech moguls consolidating too much power, particularly in sensitive sectors like artificial intelligence and space exploration. Yet Trump, either unwilling or unable to challenge these forces, has effectively handed Musk control over significant aspects of government operations.
A Willing and Happy Pawn
To call Trump a “useful idiot” is not to say he lacks agency. He is not a puppet in the traditional sense, but he is extraordinarily susceptible to flattery and manipulation. Those around him—whether billionaires, politicians, or foreign actors—have learned that they can achieve their goals simply by indulging his ego. He is the embodiment of a man who believes he is always in control, even as he is led by the nose by those who see him as nothing more than a means to an end.
As Trump’s new administration takes shape, one question looms large: Who is really in charge? Increasingly, the answer seems to be Elon Musk. The billionaire’s influence over government agencies is growing by the day, turning the federal apparatus into a vehicle for his own ambitions. And at the center of it all is Trump, obliviously playing his role as the most useful of idiots.