Following Donald Trump’s landslide victory in the U.S. presidential election, a family photo posted by his granddaughter, Kai Trump, on X (formerly Twitter) sparked interest and conversation. The image featured Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, holding his son X Æ A-12 and standing on the edge of the Trump family circle, a significant placement in the intimate family photo. However, former First Lady Melania Trump was notably absent, drawing speculation online. Kai’s caption for the image, “The whole squad,” led to reactions from social media users, with comments like “Elon is now part of the family now” highlighting Musk’s unexpected presence.
Celebrating at Mar-a-Lago
Musk’s involvement extended beyond the photograph, as he joined the Trump family and other supporters at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where he mingled with guests alongside his young son. The tech billionaire shared his support visually and verbally, even posting a follow-up image on X with Trump and his son, captioned “Novus Ordo Seclorum,” a Latin phrase meaning “a new order of the ages.” This phrase underscored Musk’s alignment with the new direction Trump’s administration aims to take.
Trump’s Acknowledgment of Musk’s Support
Donald Trump’s victory, where he defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by 69 electoral votes, was celebrated with enthusiastic recognition of Musk’s contributions. During his victory speech, Trump praised Musk as “a special guy” and “super genius,” adding, “A star is born: Elon. He is an amazing guy.” Trump highlighted Musk’s direct involvement, noting that the billionaire joined him for campaign stops in crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania.
Musk’s Role in the Election Campaign
Musk’s endorsement of Trump began after an assassination attempt on Trump earlier in the year, leading Musk to support Trump’s campaign both financially and strategically. He donated over $100 million to Trump’s re-election, campaigned in swing states, and used his platform, X, to influence public opinion, often critiquing Trump’s opponents. Musk’s visible efforts on social media reflected his dedication, with posts targeting Trump’s rivals and promoting the campaign’s objectives.
A New Role in Trump’s Administration?
In response to Musk’s support, Trump has hinted at including Musk in his administration, proposing a role focused on government efficiency. The President-elect suggested Musk could lead a newly created role, potentially titled “Secretary of Cost-Cutting,” given Musk’s reputation for streamlining operations and his interest in this position. Such a role could provide Musk with direct influence over governmental efficiency and cost management, areas where he has excelled in the private sector.
Strategic Implications for Musk’s Companies
According to Reuters, Musk’s alliance with Trump may be driven partly by a desire to protect his businesses from government regulation and secure critical subsidies. By aligning with Trump, Musk could bolster his companies’ positions in relation to policy, regulatory approvals, and potential federal support, ensuring smoother operations as his companies innovate and expand.
In summary, Musk’s prominent involvement in Trump’s victory celebrations and anticipated role in the new administration signal a deeper collaboration that could impact both politics and business in the coming years.
