From Getting The Inside Into The White House, Wanting Donald Trump To Disrupt Wall Street To Alleged Contact With Putin, Will Elon Musk Get His Pound Of Flesh?

Its election night, a storm of hysteria in the air. It’s not just another celebration—it’s the victory of Donald Trump, and the room is electrified. Trump, buoyant and beaming, stands among his entourage of family members and supporters, but one figure stands out—Elon Musk.

Musk, soaks in a rare honor, a four-minute accolade during Trump’s speech. “Super genius,” “special guy,” “star”—Musk has spent not just money but precious time to secure this moment. And now, the richest man in history has successfully nestled himself at the core of the new administration.

Surely, a return on investment awaits, right? one can’t help but wonder is this a sweet deal or a sticky web?

Trump’s faith in Musk goes beyond admiration. Musk, alongside aspiring politico Vivek Ramaswamy, has been tasked with dismantling the bureaucratic labyrinth of Washington. The newly formed “department of government efficiency” has the explicit purpose of slashing regulations, cutting waste, and reforming federal agencies.

Musk’s bold claim—he can shave $2 trillion off the government’s bloated $6.8 trillion budget. Ramaswamy? He’s promised to gut entire agencies, from the FBI to the Department of Education. Together, they’re Trump’s dream team of deregulation.

But herein lies the difference, this “department” isn’t a government agency and that’s no accident. If it were, Musk’s myriad conflicts of interest—his contracts with federal agencies, his regulatory run-ins—would create legal hurdles.

Therefore, by keeping it unofficial, Musk stays clear of such pesky entanglements, leaving him free to bulldoze federal oversight that might otherwise hinder his businesses.

The Elon Playbook Is Going All-In

Musk didn’t stumble into Trump’s inner circle; he sprinted there with his characteristic enthusiasm and all out strategy. When he chose to back Trump, Musk went all-in—relocating to Pennsylvania, rallying campaigners, and energizing the grassroots, especially in Trump-friendly rural territories.

This wasn’t just support; it was Musk making himself indispensable, a force the Trump campaign couldn’t ignore. And therein lies the rub; Musk’s strategy is as brilliant as it is fraught with potential pitfalls.

Therefore what does Musk really want?

Elon Musk is not a man who plays a role without a script—whether it’s cutting deals with regulators or reshaping federal agencies in ways that align with his corporate interests, the real question is – What’s Musk’s endgame?

Is it about creating a leaner government, or is it a calculated move to ensure his empire flourishes unchecked? His proximity to power, especially with someone like Trump, isn’t just a flex—it’s leverage. But many a times leverage is a double-edged sword.

Musk thrives on disruption, whether it’s Tesla revolutionizing the auto industry, SpaceX redefining space exploration, or Twitter/X polarizing the digital town square; however, his dive into politics brings a different kind of disruption—one with national and global implications.

Hence, if Musk’s role becomes too influential, questions about democratic integrity and corporate overreach are bound to arise. And let’s not forget his alleged proximity to geopolitical figures like Vladimir Putin, which only adds to the intrigue—and concern.

Elon Musk and Trump

Elon Musk has never been one to sit on the sidelines, and his latest foray into political matchmaking with Donald Trump gearing up to finalize his economic dream team, Musk has taken to his favorite megaphone—X (formerly Twitter)—to publicly campaign for Howard Lutnick, head of investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, as the next Treasury Secretary.

Musk’s message is clear, business-as-usual is no longer an option. In his words, Lutnick represents “change,” while frontrunner Scott Bessent, founder of Key Square Capital, embodies the entrenched Wall Street status quo. But what kind of “change” does Musk want? And is this about disruption or simply Musk ensuring his interests are heard loud and clear?

Shake Things Up At Wall Street

Musk’s endorsement of Lutnick comes with characteristic flair. He calls on his followers to pressure Trump, warning that America’s financial future depends on rejecting the old guard. “Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt,” Musk stated, presenting Lutnick as a no-nonsense reformer who will rewrite the rules on Wall Street.

Yes, it’s a bold claim, but Musk thrives on boldness. From Tesla to SpaceX to his controversial stewardship of X, his playbook is always about shaking up established norms and now, it seems, Wall Street is next.

One can’t help but question, is Musk’s push for Lutnick truly about reforming the financial system—or about having an ally in one of the most powerful economic roles in the world?

Lutnick vs. Bessent: A Clash of Styles

The choice between Lutnick and Bessent isn’t just about policies; it’s a battle of personalities. Lutnick, a key player on Trump’s transition team, is brash and unapologetic, aligning seamlessly with Trump’s combative style. Bessent, in contrast, is calm and methodical—the kind of Treasury Secretary Wall Street traditionally favors to soothe markets during turbulence.

Wall Street heavyweights like billionaire investor Kyle Bass argue that Lutnick’s forceful demeanor could destabilize an already jittery financial system. “The Treasury needs a steady hand, not a wrecking ball,” Bass asserts. But Musk disagrees. For him, stability sounds suspiciously like complacency—a word that might as well be a four-letter insult in Musk’s lexicon.

Whomever Trump picks, the Treasury Secretary will play a crucial role in shaping America’s economic trajectory. But make no mistake the broader economic plan comes straight from Trump, and it’s anything but conventional. Trump’s agenda is surely to upend the financial scene from sweeping tariffs to aggressive deportation policies and potential meddling with the Federal Reserve.

Analysts predict these policies could trigger inflation spikes, weaken economic growth, and even depress employment rates. The Peterson Institute warns that inflation could soar to 6% by 2026, with consumer prices jumping 20% by 2028.

Neither Lutnick nor Bessent seems overly concerned about these grim forecasts infact both have publicly dismissed mainstream economists’ warnings as overblown. But Musk’s push for Lutnick raises eyebrows precisely because it aligns so closely with Trump’s disruptive economic vision.

Elon Musk, Russia, and the Senate’s Probe

Meanwhile, two Senate heavyweights, Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed and New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, have called for a full-scale investigation, urging the Pentagon and Justice Department to scrutinize Musk’s alleged ties to Russia. Their concern, whether Musk’s actions could jeopardize U.S. national security while he holds top-secret security clearances and lucrative government contracts.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Musk engaged in “multiple, high-level conversations” with Putin since 2022—claims the Kremlin has swiftly denied. Musk, in characteristic style, dismissed the accusations on X (formerly Twitter) with a fiery response: “I’m going to find out who’s making these accusations and nuke them.”

While such bravado might amuse Musk’s followers, it has alarmed lawmakers. Reed and Shaheen, in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Defense Department Inspector General Robert Storch, questioned whether Musk’s alleged ties to a U.S. adversary undermine his reliability as a government contractor.

Their concerns are not without merit. SpaceX, Musk’s crown jewel, plays a critical role in U.S. defense and intelligence, handling sensitive contracts with NASA and other federal agencies. Reed and Shaheen noted that Musk, unlike other clearance holders, doesn’t seem to adhere to reporting protocols for contacts with foreign officials—a red flag in the high-stakes world of national security.

Russia, Propaganda, and Social Media

Complicating matters are allegations about Musk’s platform, X, being a vehicle for Kremlin propaganda. U.S. intelligence has linked Russian officials, including Sergei Kiriyenko, Putin’s deputy chief of staff, to efforts aimed at spreading disinformation on social media. Such campaigns reportedly target undermining international support for Ukraine and influencing American elections.

Musk’s alleged interactions with Kiriyenko have added fuel to the fire. While the Justice Department has yet to release specific findings, the very possibility that a private citizen with Musk’s influence could act as a backchannel for adversarial nations has sent shockwaves through Washington.

However, the buck doesn’t stop at Russia. Musk, recently tapped by Donald Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, has played an unusually active role in Trump’s diplomatic overtures. Over the past week, Musk joined calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and even attended a meeting with Argentinian President Javier Milei at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

Adding to the drama, it was reported that Musk recently visited the residence of Iran’s United Nations ambassador in New York—a claim Iran’s foreign minister denied. The timing is curious, given Washington’s tense relationship with Tehran. Whether these moves signal Musk’s ambition to reshape diplomacy or reflect a cavalier attitude toward geopolitical norms remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that Musk’s actions are raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.

Power, Politics, and Accountability

This isn’t just about Musk. It’s about the broader question of how much power one individual should wield when their business interests intersect so deeply with national security. Musk’s dual role as a private citizen and a quasi-diplomat challenges traditional boundaries, leaving policymakers wondering how to enforce accountability.

For Musk’s supporters, his maverick approach and disregard for convention are precisely what make him a visionary. For his critics, his unchecked influence is a liability that could undermine U.S. interests.

The Final Words

For Musk, this isn’t just about politics; it’s about power. From Wall Street to the White House, his moves suggest a man who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it.

Musk’s insistence on Lutnick isn’t just about tariffs or Treasury—it’s about influence. Could it be that by championing a candidate who mirrors his own disrupt-or-die ethos, Musk is positioning himself as a kingmaker in Trump’s administration.

Again, the question isn’t just about who will lead the Treasury but what kind of economy America will inherit. Musk’s vision for disruption is intoxicating, promising to tear down outdated structures and rebuild from the ground up. But as history has shown, revolutions often come at a steep price.

Therefore, by pressuring Trump and staking his reputation on Lutnick, Musk is betting big on a future where he—and his worldview—shape America’s financial destiny.

For now, all eyes are on Trump’s decision. But Will Elon Musk get his pound of flesh?

Whatever the outcome, one thing is for sure—when Musk is involved, the story is far from over.