Since Donald Trump’s recent re-election and inauguration, billionaire Elon Musk has become an integral part in Trump’s presidential decisions and agendas.
During the election, Musk had extended promises of different amounts of money in order to secure votes for, now president, Trump. Out of pocket, Musk funded Trump’s presidential campaign. After inauguration day, however, Musk has spent most of his time at Trump’s side, even going so far as to attend international and diplomatic meetings with him despite not being in any official political position.
In addition to being politically affiliated with Trump, Musk has been involved personally with him as well. He has made various flights on his private jet to spend time with Trump and his family. Musk also spent his Thanksgiving in Palm Beach, Fla. at Trump’s luxury compound Mar-a-Lago that goes for $2,000 per night.
He was also seen in attendance at a high-profile meeting and dinner between Trump and the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, at Mar-a-Lago.
The most infamous public sighting of Elon Musk recently was at a celebratory rally in light of Trump’s recent inauguration. While Elon explained it as a gesture of appreciation to Trump voters, a large portion of people in America and even across Europe perceived his gesture as a Nazi or Roman salute, both of which are negatively connoted with hatred. Other groups explain his gesture as an awkward or clumsily-executed display of appreciation, as Musk himself had explained it.
It is apparent that as Trump’s presidency progresses, Elon Musk will continue to be heavily involved in presidential affairs and politics.
