Elon Musk Joins Trump’s Administration as Co-Leader of Efficiency Department Amid Growing Tensions
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was announced Tuesday evening as co-leader of a newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency,” alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. President-elect Donald Trump revealed the appointments, emphasizing Musk’s role in helping streamline federal bureaucracy and modernize government systems.
The announcement solidifies Musk’s close relationship with Trump, but sources close to the transition team suggest his involvement has stirred friction among Trump’s longstanding inner circle.
A Controversial Presence at Mar-a-Lago
Musk has been a near-constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since the election, frequently joining Trump for meetings, phone calls, and discussions. According to two individuals familiar with the transition, Musk’s assertive approach has begun to irritate some members of Trump’s team, who see him as overstepping his boundaries.
“He’s behaving as if he’s a co-president and making sure everyone knows it,” one source said.
Another source added that Musk has taken credit for Trump’s victory, pointing to his Super PAC’s substantial contributions and efforts to rally support through his platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
A Mixed Reception
While some Trump insiders express concerns about Musk’s forceful presence and perceived self-promotion, others have praised his contributions. In a statement, Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt lauded Musk as “a once-in-a-generation business leader” who could bring innovative ideas to the federal government.
Similarly, transition spokesperson Anna Kelly described Musk as a “genius” whose leadership could enhance the efficiency of taxpayer-funded programs.
Tensions Within the Transition Team
Despite the official praise, sources say Musk’s eagerness to shape policy and staff appointments has ruffled feathers.
“He wants to be seen as having a say in everything, even if he doesn’t,” a source claimed, noting that Musk’s approach contrasts with Trump’s preference for loyalty and discretion within his administration.
Some advisers worry that Musk’s public persona and aggressive style may overshadow the president-elect’s agenda. Others have expressed concerns that Musk is more focused on pushing his own policies, such as drastic spending cuts and immigration reforms, rather than advancing Trump’s priorities.
A Record of Support
Musk’s financial and public support for Trump has been significant. His Super PAC reportedly spent over $152 million supporting Trump and other Republican candidates, much of it coming directly from Musk. He held rallies in battleground states and leveraged X as a platform to amplify Trump’s campaign message.
Trump has acknowledged Musk’s contributions, joking during a meeting with House Republicans that he couldn’t “get rid of him” due to Musk’s constant presence. While the comment was made in jest, it underscores the tech mogul’s influential position within the president-elect’s orbit.
Looking Ahead
As Musk assumes his role in the new Department of Government Efficiency, questions remain about how his involvement will shape the administration’s trajectory. While his technological expertise and innovative vision are undeniable, balancing his influence with Trump’s established leadership style will be critical to the department’s success.
Whether Musk’s presence will unify or further divide Trump’s team remains to be seen, but his appointment marks a bold and unconventional step in reshaping government operations for the next term.
