ALBAWABA - Elon Musk's place in the Trump administration is being debated as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Musk reportedly joined Trump in a recent phone chat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when Trump discussed U.S. support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Musk's attendance in the conversation, which discussed U.S.-Ukraine ties and future assistance, alarmed Democratic leaders in Washington. Musk, who opposes NATO expansion and has recommended giving Ukrainian regions to Russia, is suddenly one of Trump's closest aides, raising fears about his foreign policy influence.
Musk contributed over $125 million to Trump's re-election campaign, according to reports. Twitter—rebranded as “X”—has become a key campaign tool for Trump because to the billionaire's support for “free speech” and conservative ideals. Musk's platform has magnified Trump's rhetoric and favored conservative material, stirring political conflict.
Recent investigations have revealed many phone talks between Musk and Russian President Vladimir Putin, increasing worries among U.S. politicians about Musk's international connections and foreign policy impact. Musk interfered on the platform to block the spread of critical material about Trump's vice-presidential pick, according to Politico and the Wall Street Journal.
With Musk's exposure growing, Trump has considered assigning him to a government job. Trump proposed a “Minister of Cost Efficiency” or head of a new “Government Efficiency Committee” to reduce budgets and audit government agencies. Musk has proposed reorganizing and decreasing bureaucracy to slash $2 trillion from the government budget, according to sources.
Critics worry about possible conflicts of interest since Musk's companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have significant government contracts and are under federal scrutiny. Musk's desire to work with the government and influence budgetary policy might make him a major role in the future.
