With $100 million in support for Trump's campaign, Elon Musk is beginning to reap political and economic benefits, increasing his influence in the US
Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential race has brought to the fore a figure who was already a powerhouse in the business world: Elon Musk. With an estimated fortune of US$ 260 billion, Musk is not only the richest man in the world, but has also become one of the most influential political and business advisors of the new government.
Musk's appointment to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency promises a profound change in American public administration, reflecting the growing intersection of business and politics.
Elon Musk's role in the new administration
Musk will take responsibility for overhauling and restructuring the federal bureaucracy, which he says is one of the biggest obstacles to American progress.”We need to cut the vast federal bureaucracy that is holding the country back”, Musk said in recent interviews.
With this, he will be able to recommend deep cuts in areas that he considers excessive or unnecessary, making the government more efficient and less costly.
The vision of government efficiency
Musk has a clear vision for the role he wants to play. During a live session, he mentioned the need for a comprehensive review of all government agencies, noting that there is a lot of duplication of effort and responsibilities.Let's transition to more productive roles in the private sector”, he said, suggesting that many public employees could be reallocated to the private sector.
Additionally, Elon Musk believes that imposing term limits on bureaucrats is essential to bringing renewal and efficiency to the Trump administration.I think we need a balance between regulation and economic freedom.”, he said, comparing excessive regulations to referees in a football game: “We don't want to have more referees than players."
The rise of digital populism
Musk's rise is also linked to the phenomenon of digital populism. With the acquisition of the X platform (formerly Twitter), Musk has become a protagonist in the dissemination of information and the formation of public opinion.
At a time when misinformation is spreading rapidly, Musk has been accused by critics of amplifying far-right narratives and conspiracy theories.
But his supporters argue that his intervention has brought transparency and a new voice to the political debate. To them, Musk is not just a billionaire, but a defender of free speech who is willing to challenge the status quo.
Market reaction to Elon Musk's support and Trump's victory
Trump’s victory and the prospect of a government more aligned with Musk’s interests had an immediate impact on Tesla’s shares, which rose nearly 13% in premarket trading after the election. This demonstrates how political decisions can influence the market and vice versa, creating a cycle that benefits both investors and politicians.
Musk has also been actively involved in campaigning, supporting candidates and causes that resonate with his vision. He has donated more than 100 million U.S. $ for America Pac, a Republican support group, and mobilized his followers on social media to boost voter turnout.
The Controversies Surrounding Musk
Despite his success, Musk faces significant criticism. Technology and political experts point out that his social media posts often lack fact-checking and can negatively influence public opinion.
An analysis of 450 posts made by Musk during the pre-election period revealed an alarming amount of misinformation, which reached almost 679 million views.
Critics also warn that the amplification of conspiracy theories could have serious consequences for democracy. The polarization generated by figures like Musk could hinder constructive dialogue and unity on crucial issues affecting society.
The impact on the future of American politics
With Musk now at the center of American politics, his influence could shape the country’s future in unpredictable ways. The new Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk has jokingly described as “Doge” in reference to the meme currency he promotes, could play a pivotal role in shaping federal policy for years to come.
Musk's promise to make significant cuts to bureaucracy and his views on regulations could accelerate changes that, if successful, could make government more agile and responsive to the needs of citizens.
However, this also raises questions about the need to maintain a balance between economic freedom and protecting citizens' rights.
Elon Musk’s role, now intertwined with American politics, represents a new era where business and government intersect in complex and challenging ways. His role as an adviser to Trump and leader of a new department could bring significant changes, both positive and negative.
The challenge will be to ensure that these changes benefit everyone, and not just a financial elite. Society must be attentive and critical of how these new dynamics will unfold in the coming years, always remembering the importance of a healthy and informed democracy.