Special Poll
Democrats have been poking fun at President-elect Trump by dubbing Elon Musk as “President Musk,” implying that the tech billionaire holds more sway than the incoming president. This playful jab comes as Musk prepares for a significant role in Trump’s administration, co-chairing the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) and maintaining a close alliance with Trump. While the nickname may appear lighthearted, it has sparked speculation about the dynamics between two of the world’s most influential figures.
The teasing began after Musk actively opposed a bipartisan spending agreement that had taken months to negotiate. According to Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.), Musk’s public campaign against the deal seemed to spur Trump to follow suit, even if the president-elect hadn’t initially planned to intervene. Bera suggested that this dynamic of Musk influencing Trump could lead to challenges down the line, especially considering Trump’s history of demanding the spotlight and loyalty.
Musk’s influence extends beyond funding disputes. As head of DOGE, he’s tasked with improving government efficiency, but his growing involvement in policymaking and high-level meetings has drawn criticism and raised eyebrows. He’s even proposed cognitive testing for elected officials, following reports of health challenges faced by Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas). Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) is among those referring to Musk as “President Musk,” pointing to Musk’s impact on Republican decision-making, such as during the recent spending stalemate.
Despite the apparent camaraderie between Trump and Musk, political observers predict their relationship could sour. Musk’s independent streak and Trump’s well-known aversion to sharing power make a future rift seem inevitable. GOP strategist Doug Heye acknowledged that most people don’t remain in Trump’s inner circle for long, adding that Democrats’ “President Musk” jabs are primarily trolling and may not have a significant effect.
Democrats have mixed motivations behind the nickname. Some use it to highlight Musk’s unusual influence as an unelected figure, while others see it as a strategy to create tension between Musk and Trump. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) pointed out Musk’s role in shaping policy and suggested that working with Trump might be easier without Musk’s interference. However, Rep. Ami Bera joked when asked if Democrats were intentionally trying to provoke conflict, sarcastically denying it.
As the dust settles on the government funding dispute resolved just before the deadline, the taunts persist. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) accused Musk of undermining House Speaker Mike Johnson, while Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) claimed Musk “is calling the shots.” Former Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) labeled Musk as Trump’s “second vice president,” describing the billionaire’s influence as unprecedented. Whether the dynamic between Musk and Trump remains stable or leads to friction, it’s clear Musk’s presence in the administration will continue to be a topic of discussion.