Tech entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk, has recently stepped down from his advisory role in the U.S. government. The announcement comes at a time when tensions between Musk and President Trump peaked over a sweeping budget bill introduced by the Trump administration—raising speculation across political circles.
According to analysts, Musk was appointed as a “special advisor” to help reduce government spending. However, his role seemed to go beyond that of a typical consultant—his public presence and vocal political stance gave him an outsized influence in the Trump orbit, according to several observers.
Salute Controversy and Nazi Comparisons
During Trump’s inauguration event, Musk’s style of salute drew significant backlash. The gesture, with both arms straight out, was compared by some to a Nazi salute. Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Musk said, “The Hitler-labeling tactic is getting old.” Still, the controversy didn’t die down.
Links with Far-Right German Party?
Shortly after, Musk virtually appeared at a rally for Germany’s far-right AfD party. Calling the group “Germany’s last hope,” his statement stirred tensions in German politics. Some reports suggest a link between his remarks and a series of arson attacks on Tesla vehicles in Berlin.
Appearing at the White House in MAGA T-Shirts
Musk was frequently seen at the White House wearing “Make America Great Again” T-shirts. In one appearance, he brought along his young son ‘X,’ whom Trump affectionately called “a great kid.” A video of the event—showing the child picking his nose while Musk discussed budget cuts—went viral on social media.
Chainsaw Symbolism and Budget Slashing
In a symbolic gesture against bureaucracy, Musk held up a chainsaw during a speech—echoing Argentine President Javier Milei’s signature prop for cutting public spending. The moment sparked wide commentary online, with critics calling it theatrical, while supporters praised it as bold.
Influence Beyond the Cabinet
Though never formally part of the Cabinet, Musk wore a “Tech Support” T-shirt to a February 26 meeting at the White House. His massive financial support for Trump’s 2024 campaign gave him considerable leverage—sometimes, reportedly, more than official cabinet members.
Tesla Promotion at the White House
As Tesla sales slumped, the White House hosted a test-drive event, with Trump himself claiming he had bought a Tesla. However, the effort had little impact—Tesla’s profits dropped 71% in the first quarter.
Electoral Failures and Budget Frustrations
In a judicial election in Wisconsin, Musk reportedly spent $25 million supporting a conservative candidate—who ultimately lost to a liberal opponent. Around the same time, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” budget package passed, which Musk criticized harshly. He said it would increase, not reduce, the deficit and disrupt operations of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he had been involved with.
Growing Rift with Trump
Musk and Trump also clashed over trade policy. When Trump proposed steep tariffs on imports, Musk opposed the move and floated the idea of a U.S.-Europe free trade zone. This led to a public disagreement with Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro.
Resignation as an Inevitable Outcome?
Amid failed political efforts, high-profile controversies, and policy disagreements, Musk’s resignation has triggered broad discussion across both U.S. politics and global media. Some observers see it as an inevitable end to a tumultuous partnership.
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