Could Elon Musk have a role in the next US government?

After the foiled assassination of Donald Trump last July, during a rally in Pennsylvania, Elon Musk began playing an increasingly active role in the Republican candidate's election campaign, even spending election night with him and his closest allies. Although it was fairly clear that Musk had conservative political leanings, he had maintained a relatively neutral approach until recently, donating to both Republicans and Democrats. Taking such a clear stance in favor of one side was a significant risk for Musk, especially if Trump had lost the election. Initially, it was thought that the tech entrepreneur supported the Republican candidate to gain advantages from his administration, mainly in the form of tax cuts and the removal of regulations in sectors where his companies operate. Musk's companies, including Neuralink and SpaceX, partly depend on government contracts, and the entrepreneur—having become a central figure in numerous economic and political issues affecting the country—has long maintained close relationships with the military, the national intelligence services, and the government bodies. Figures of his caliber generally prefer to forge alliances across parties to cover their bases in any eventuality. But the resources Musk has invested in Trump's campaign show that his support was not just a matter of convenience. Notably, in an interview, Musk admitted that if Trump had lost, he would have been «fucked.» His endorsement was so significant and helpful (he is estimated to have spent over 100 million dollars on the Republican campaign) that Trump has not ruled out offering him a position in his administration. In his victory speech, Trump—who is usually very wary of anyone who might overshadow him—referred to Elon Musk by saying, «a star is born.»

What could Musk do in the White House? 

Recently, The Washington Post reported that several Trump aides are working to select the individuals who will make up his government. Each presidential candidate is aided in this task by a "transition team", which works with the White House. Trump's team has only recently started working publicly and in full force: the former president is very superstitious and believed that starting before the vote would bring bad luck. It is almost certain that the new administration will include both former presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. (a known anti-vaccine advocate) and Elon Musk. For now, it is speculated that the entrepreneur could lead a sort of efficiency department, particularly focused on cutting public spending. It's worth noting that Trump's first administration was marked by continuous dismissals within his staff: 92% of the top-level White House employees who began the term in 2016 did not make it to the end. However, today Trump seems more determined to surround himself with highly loyal personalities from his inner circle—people like Musk. In this context, some figures initially considered for the vice presidency, like North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Senator Marco Rubio, or entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, are expected to be considered for the new government. By January 20, the inauguration date of the new term, the "transition team" must have all the nominations ready to choose from.

Shortly after Trump's victory, Giorgia Meloni posted on X that she had spoken with her friend Elon Musk and expressed her belief that his «vision» could be «an important resource for the United States and Italy». The government indeed fears that the former president will significantly increase tariffs on products imported into the United States, which could have very negative effects on the Italian and European economy—but it is still too early to say if and how this measure will be implemented. For now, however, it is certain that one of the few people capable of managing Trump's impulsiveness will be on his government team: Susie Wiles, who will serve as Chief of Staff—a highly delicate role with great power and responsibility. Wiles will manage a large political staff that will essentially be responsible for defining the White House's political strategies and initiatives. Additionally, her team will set policy priorities and help manage international crises. The Chief of Staff is also the figure who decides which choices the president should make personally.