Musk and Trump: A deadly bromance

Elon Musk's public persona has transformed from the genius behind Tesla, SpaceX and PayPal to a provocateur whose actions now regularly ignite discussions about power, ethics and governance. 

The increasing closeness between Musk and President Donald Trump prompts enquiries into the nature of their relationship, its impact on global business and politics, and the wider ramifications of their unpredictable partnership.

That salute

Musk's recent controversies escalated when he faced accusations of making a gesture reminiscent of a Nazi salute during a public appearance. Defenders of Musk contend that the incident was either a misunderstanding or an overblown interpretation of his unique demeanour, while critics view it as indicative of his careless involvement with far-right ideologies. 

The action has been associated with his progressively unpredictable online conduct, where Musk has heightened polarising narratives while claiming to champion free speech.

In light of the criticism, Musk shared on X (formerly Twitter), "Honestly, they require more effective dirty tricks. The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired." His dismissive reaction intensified the controversy, as many perceived his comment as downplaying serious concerns regarding the normalisation of extremist rhetoric.

Dr Sarah K Anderson, a sociologist at Princeton University, stated in a recent interview with The Washington Post, that symbols carry immense weight in shaping public discourse. 

Whether intentional or not, Musk's actions signal a dangerous flirtation with extremist rhetoric that threatens to normalise such ideologies. The incident highlights the dangers associated with unrestrained authority held by powerful individuals.

An oligarchy in the making?

Musk had a large presence at Trump's second inauguration in 2025. Seated alongside some of the world's most influential business magnates, including tech leaders and corporate titans, Musk, just like Trump before him, embodied the merging of corporate and political elites. Many believe this oligarchic spectacle symbolised the concentration of power among a select few, raising alarms about the erosion of democratic institutions.

All of the top names in tech — Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook — were there. But the list of billionaires in attendance does not end there, Mukesh Ambani, the Arnault Family, Rupert Murdoch and Miriam Adelson were also in attendance.

Musk's role was particularly noteworthy, as he worked behind the scenes to secure funding and influence policy priorities for Trump's administration. According to a report by Politico, Musk facilitated discussions between Trump's team and key corporate figures, ensuring their interests were represented in the administration's agenda.

Senator Bernie Sanders criticised the event, calling it a "coronation of the billionaire class". During an interview with The New York Times, Sanders remarked, "This inauguration is not about the American people — it's about oligarchs consolidating their power. The presence of these business leaders sends a chilling message about who really controls our government."

"When billionaires occupy the same space as political leaders without accountability, it creates a governance vacuum where public interests are sidelined," Canadian author and activist Naomi Klein told The Guardian during a recent interview.

Kicking Ramaswamy out of DOGE

Elon Musk has made a significant impact on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the cost-cutting initiative led by the Trump administration. A report by Politico indicates that Musk actively advocated for the dismissal of his co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy following the emergence of tensions between them. 

A poorly received holiday rant by Ramaswamy on X regarding H-1B visas, in which he condemned American culture for "venerating mediocrity over excellence", hastened his exit.

Sources close to the matter disclosed that Musk perceived Ramaswamy's ambitions for governor as at odds with his duties at DOGE. "They aimed to remove him prior to the tweet — but discarded him entirely once it was released," remarked a Republican strategist associated with Trump advisers. The decision illustrates Musk's increasing sway within the administration and his capacity to mould its initiatives according to his preferences.

Ramaswamy's departure underscores the larger dynamics of infighting and power struggles that are starting to characterise Trump's second term. A source familiar with DOGE characterised Musk's influence as representative of the potential conflicts ahead: "Elon is not merely involved; he's a kingmaker."

A volatile alliance

Both Musk and Trump exhibit a penchant for controversy, a dismissal of conventional standards and an ability to command media attention. Trump's affinity for populism resonates with Musk's self-proclaimed persona as a maverick entrepreneur.

Nonetheless, their unpredictable personalities and differing priorities result in an unstable dynamic. As Trump aims to galvanise a political following through nationalist language, Musk's aspirations are grounded in worldwide (even space-wide) initiatives, ranging from colonising Mars to transforming artificial intelligence. 

A report from The Economic Times reveals that Trump has expressed private concerns regarding Musk's perceived clinginess and his excessive enthusiasm for Dogecoin, underscoring the underlying tensions in their partnership.

Political analyst James Cartwright told Politico, "This bromance is less about genuine camaraderie and more about transactional opportunism. Both Trump and Musk see value in leveraging each other's influence, but their egos make sustained cooperation unlikely."

What this bromance means for the world

The partnership between Musk and Trump holds significant consequences for the international landscape. United, they have the potential to transform policies regarding climate change, technology and international trade. 

Trump's scepticism regarding environmental regulations stands in sharp contrast to Musk's electric vehicle empire, leading to possible conflicts over sustainability agendas. Conversely, their shared disdain for bureaucratic constraints could accelerate deregulation in key industries, benefiting corporations at the expense of public welfare.

The duo's unpredictability on the international stage may heighten geopolitical tensions. Musk's initiatives in satellite technology (Starlink) and space exploration establish him as a key figure in national security debates, whereas Trump's nationalist policies may leverage these technologies for strategic gain.

"The fusion of corporate and political power risks undermining global cooperation," warned Dr Helena Zhang, a political scientist at the University of Oxford, during an interview with the Financial Times. "Musk and Trump's partnership may prioritise short-term gains over long-term stability, further polarising an already fragmented world."

Elon Musk's erratic behaviour and his changing dynamics with Donald Trump highlight the necessity for increased examination of influential figures and their impact on society. As the boundaries between business and politics become less distinct, the risk of power being misused increases. Experts, policymakers, and civil society need to collaborate in creating checks and balances that safeguard democratic values and enhance transparency.

Regardless of whether this alliance is temporary or long-lasting, its influence is expected to resonate for many years ahead.