Elon Musk’s Influence Fuels Trump’s Reinvention of Populism

Elon Musk’s energy and ambition are clearly on display as he takes on the role of key adviser to the newly elected president of the United States — a position he helped facilitate this year, all while managing his numerous ventures.

For Musk, influencing the future of the U.S. government is as casual as stamp collecting is for others; it’s a pursuit he engages in alongside his day-to-day responsibilities.

This perspective does not diminish his impact; quite the contrary.

The entrepreneurial visionary brings a unique and surprising element to the Trump coalition.

If, a decade ago, you had suggested that the planet’s most innovative and affluent entrepreneur would be advising a Republican president-elect on budget cuts and economic innovation, you might have assumed someone like Paul Ryan had taken office.

The former Speaker of the House and vice-presidential nominee was a staunch supporter of entrepreneurship, economic growth, and governmental efficiency.

However, the rise of populism under Trump forced figures like Ryan to the sideline, as their business-focused ideology appeared outdated.

Now, Musk’s version of that ideology has emerged in the spotlight.

As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk possesses a bold persona reminiscent of a Silicon Valley version of Trump.

He has adopted a strong stance on immigration, aggressively opposing Joe Biden’s policies on border control.

Additionally, he positions himself as a cultural warrior, intent on combating what he describes as “the woke mind virus.”

This persona has earned him both fierce admiration and animosity; his conflicts with the Biden SEC, including efforts to sanction him for his Twitter acquisition, are notable examples.

Through these challenges, Musk has carved out his niche as a populist icon while still advocating for an economic dynamism cherished by traditional Republicans prior to Trump’s rise.

Trump embodies a complex array of views.

On one hand, he is a protectionist, unwavering in his belief that foreign nations are taking advantage of the U.S.

On the other, he champions boundless opportunity.

He serves as a voice for the working class.

Yet, he also tends to measure economic performance by stock market fluctuations.

He discusses themes of American decline and the potential for a new golden age.

This multifaceted perspective is fluid, shaped by the shifting dynamics of Trump’s circle.

However, a noted risk of populism is its tendency toward nostalgia and resistance to change, often leading to distrust of technology and large corporations.

With Musk as a prominent figure in Trump’s orbit, this inclination faces substantial pushback.

Musk embodies a vision of the future that echoes themes from 1950s science fiction: space travel, futuristic transportation, robotics, and large-scale infrastructure.

He has significantly shifted Republican attitudes towards Big Tech.

His success demonstrates that one can be a Silicon Valley innovator without conforming to progressive political norms.

While skepticism of tech companies remains on the right, it is now Democrats who are more likely to push for regulatory reforms like repealing Section 230.

Moreover, Musk’s advocacy for DOGE has made discussions around reducing government spending popular again on the right, an area that had lost traction since the onset of the Trump presidency.

Although the idea of DOGE contributing to a $2 trillion budget cut is far-fetched, any potential savings would be viewed favorably.

It remains to be seen how effective Musk will be as a catalyst for change within the inherently resistant structure of government — sending a man to Mars might even seem simpler.

Nonetheless, Musk’s unwavering optimism and proactive spirit inject valuable energy into Trump’s populist agenda.

Twitter: @RichLowry