Elon Musk’s influence in Trump’s White House reshapes policy, ousts officials, and sparks internal tension

Elon Musk’s influence in Trump’s White House reshapes policy

US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump appointee, resigned suddenly after Elon Musk criticised him during a private meeting with Trump at his Bedminster club. Already frustrated with DeJoy’s resistance to privatization and cost-cutting, Trump made the final decision to remove him shortly after Musk raised concerns. Within days, DeJoy resigned, signalling Musk’s growing sway over personnel and policy in Trump’s second term, the Wall Street Journal reported.

An unpaid advisor with daily Oval Office access
Despite his unofficial, unpaid role, Musk has become one of Trump’s closest confidants—speaking with him daily, joining him at high-profile events, and holding walk-in privileges to the Oval Office. While their personalities differ drastically—Trump is a traditional host with a taste for golf and formality, Musk is informal and awkward—both men share a disdain for government bureaucracy and foreign aid, and a desire to overhaul federal operations.

Internal friction and cabinet pushback
Musk’s growing influence has triggered frustration among Trump’s cabinet and senior aides. After multiple secretaries voiced complaints about Musk’s methods at a March cabinet meeting, Trump instructed Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to smooth over tensions. Wiles now meets Musk twice a week. Musk's access and freewheeling approach—bolstered by a close relationship with top advisor Stephen Miller and Miller’s wife Katie—has left other officials uneasy, especially as Musk remains a temporary employee with no formal accountability.

Handling sensitive matters, raising concerns
Musk’s involvement in national matters, including a potential Pentagon briefing on China and US war plans, has alarmed some within the administration. Trump publicly dismissed reports of the meeting but privately expressed concern about a conflict of interest due to Musk’s business ties to China. Despite such episodes, Musk remains involved in major decisions, including helping resolve delays in the new Air Force One and advising on federal budget cuts.

Shaping policy through social media and personal channels
Outside the White House, Musk influences Trump’s agenda via platforms like X. Lobbyists and GOP figures now view Musk as a key conduit to Trump, crafting campaigns to get his attention online. For instance, an idea for a “DOGE dividend” shared on X quickly made it to Trump, who endorsed it the next day. Musk’s fast uptake of incomplete or misleading information has also led to questionable claims being echoed by Trump publicly, such as exaggerated numbers from Social Security databases.

A double-edged sword for Republicans
While Musk helps Trump absorb criticism for unpopular cuts, his erratic behaviour and stunts—like brandishing a chainsaw at CPAC—have alarmed some GOP figures. Senator Lindsey Graham reportedly warned colleagues that Musk’s antics could be weaponized in political ads. Still, Trump values Musk’s popularity among base voters and his ability to “actually cut” the government, unlike prior Republican administrations.

Musk’s exit on the horizon—but not his influence
Trump recently acknowledged that Musk will eventually step back from his government role, returning full-time to his companies. Still, officials expect him to remain an informal advisor and political ally. For now, Musk continues to shape Trump-era policy in real time, a disruptive and unprecedented figure in the inner workings of the presidency.