Elon Musk: The Real Victor of the 2024 US Presidential Election

In the wake of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, a surprising narrative is emerging: while Donald Trump may have secured the presidency, it is Elon Musk who could be the true victor. Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his ventures like Tesla and SpaceX, has invested heavily in Trump's campaign, spending millions to support him. However, this financial backing is not merely an act of goodwill; it is a strategic move that could yield significant benefits for Musk and his businesses.

Musk's companies, which include Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), xAI, The Boring Company, and Neuralink, are heavily dependent on government contracts and subsidies. Over the years, these enterprises have amassed billions in federal funding. With Trump in the White House, Musk's investments may pay off handsomely. Since the election, Musk has been seen frequently in Trump's circle, reportedly strengthening his influence over policy decisions and appointments.

One notable instance of Musk's growing political clout was his participation in a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shortly after the election. This involvement raises questions about how Musk will navigate his dual roles as a business leader and a political influencer. It appears that Musk is preparing to form an "A-Team" to serve as his voice in the government. He recently stated on X, "America’s A team is usually building companies in the private sector. Once in a long time, reforming government is important enough that the A team allocates time to government. This is that time." This statement suggests that Musk is keen on encouraging Trump to appoint his trusted associates to key positions within the administration.

Among the names being floated for potential appointments are Steve Davis, president of The Boring Company, and Omead Afshar, who played a significant role in the layoffs at Twitter and Tesla. Jared Birchall, Musk's right-hand man, is also expected to have a prominent role if Musk's influence prevails. Birchall manages Musk's family office and has been instrumental in various Musk-led initiatives, including the acquisition of Twitter.

SpaceX, Musk's space exploration company, stands to gain the most from favorable government contracts and relaxed regulations. Reports indicate that Musk has urged Trump to consider SpaceX employees for positions within the Department of Defense, including high-ranking roles that could further align government interests with Musk's business objectives.

As Tesla continues to navigate regulatory challenges, particularly concerning its autonomous driving technology, Musk may leverage his connections within the federal government to influence state-level regulators. Potential candidates for administration roles from Tesla include Peter Scheutzow, head of autopilot and AI, and safety chief Suraj Nagaraj.

Moreover, Musk's network extends to other influential figures in Silicon Valley, such as venture capitalists and hedge fund managers who have become increasingly vocal in pro-Musk politics. Names like David Sacks and Bill Ackman could also find themselves playing a role in a Trump administration.

While the political landscape in the United States is ever-changing, one thing is clear: Elon Musk is positioning himself to be a significant player in the Trump administration. As he navigates the intersection of business and politics, the coming years could see Musk's influence grow, potentially reshaping policies that affect not only his companies but also the broader technological landscape. For those watching closely, the relationship between Musk and Trump will be one to keep an eye on, as it may have far-reaching implications for both the business world and the American political arena.