Democrats are launching a new line of attack against President-elect Donald Trump, suggesting that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is the one truly calling the shots in the upcoming administration. With Musk set to play a key role in Trump’s second term—both as co-chair of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) and as a trusted advisor—some are wondering whether Musk’s influence might eventually overshadow the president himself. Could this lead to a clash between the two powerful figures, or will they find a way to work together effectively?
This conversation started to take shape after Musk played a decisive role in derailing a bipartisan spending agreement that had been in the works for months. Representative Ami Bera (D-Calif.) argued that Musk’s public opposition campaign forced Trump to take a stand on the issue, even though the president-elect had not initially planned to intervene. According to Bera, Musk’s actions created a dynamic where the tech mogul might be seen as influencing the future president more than the other way around.
Musk’s growing involvement in government matters has raised eyebrows. He’s been tasked with helping to streamline the federal bureaucracy, but his influence extends far beyond just the DOGE role. He has weighed in on key policy debates, such as calling for cognitive tests for elected officials and even taking part in high-level meetings with Trump. His opinion seems to be shaping not just policy, but the broader direction of the administration.
Some Democrats are using Musk’s growing influence to create tension between him and Trump. Representative Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and others have taken to calling Musk “President Musk,” a term meant to highlight what they view as the billionaire’s outsized role in shaping policy. Hoyer and others argue that Musk’s tweets have directly influenced Republican lawmakers, shifting the course of negotiations and revealing just how much sway he holds.
While Trump and Musk have had a friendly relationship in the past, some political analysts are skeptical about how long it will last. GOP strategist Doug Heye notes that, historically, Trump’s relationships with powerful figures are often short-lived, and it remains to be seen whether Musk will break that trend. Democrats, meanwhile, seem to be relishing the opportunity to push this narrative, hoping to drive a wedge between the two men.
For many Republicans, however, the idea of a rift between Trump and Musk seems far-fetched. Trump’s spokesperson has shot back at Democrats’ claims, arguing that their attacks are nothing more than sour grapes from a party that has lost control of the House, Senate, and the presidency. “They have nothing left but petty insults,” said Anna Kelly, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition.
Some Democrats, such as Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), have suggested that Musk’s role is simply a reflection of his dominance in shaping policy. “Musk is the one who stopped the bill, helped fund Trump’s presidency, and is always at the table,” Meeks said. While some speculate that Musk’s influence is a positive development, others, like Meeks, believe that Trump would be easier to work with if Musk stayed out of policy discussions.
In the end, it’s clear that Musk’s rising influence is a double-edged sword. While some hope to use it to weaken Trump’s authority, others question whether Musk’s independence will eventually rub up against Trump’s need for control. Given Trump’s notoriously combative style, the question remains whether the two men—whose alliance has helped push Trump’s agenda forward—can continue to work in tandem without conflict.
In the eyes of many, the Democrats’ “President Musk” narrative may be little more than an attempt to sow division. But for those watching closely, it raises a deeper question: Is Musk’s influence a threat to Trump’s leadership, or is it simply another phase in a powerful partnership? Either way, the relationship between these two figures is one to watch as the next chapter in American politics unfolds.