Much to Donald Trumpâs private fury, many Americans have begun referring to Elon Musk as âPresident.â
Given the worldâs richest manâs outsized role in shaping Republicans, the Telsa billionaire has undeniable influence over the incoming US leader. Just days before the inauguration, the joke around Washington, DCâs corridors of power is that the Republican leader is now known as Muskâs âVice President Trumpâ.
The billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter) has long been polarising. Known for his provocative social media presence, business ventures, and controversial take on politics and society, Musk has increasingly been growing in political influence.
Recent reports suggest that Trump, who has historically prided himself on being a self-made and self-reliant leader, has grown unusually deferential to Musk. The duo has been spotted together at high-profile events. The closeness has led Musk to become known as âFirst Buddyâ among political insiders, a playful nod to the âFirst Ladyâ title usually reserved for the presidentâs spouse.
Far from shying away from the nickname, Musk has embraced it with characteristic bravado. But joking aside, Trump, the undisputed leader of the Republican Party, now appears to be taking cues from the billionaire on key issues, including free speech, artificial intelligence regulation, and energy policy.
Muskâs involvement goes beyond mere influence; he has actively shaped many of the Republican Partyâs agenda, steering it toward an almost techno-libertarian vision that aligns with his worldview. Republican strategists have noted that Muskâs star power among younger, tech-savvy voters has revitalized the partyâs appeal.
His influence was evident during the partyâs most recent strategy session, where he proposed policies on cryptocurrency and space exploration took centre stage. Some analysts argue that this dynamic marks a new era of celebrity politics, where billionaires like Musk wield power akin to elected officials, albeit without accountability.
The growing furore around âPresident Muskâ, however, begs the question: Could he ever actually become the leader of the United States? The answer, quite simply, is no – at least not under the current constitutional framework.
Born in South Africa, Musk is ineligible for the presidency due to the natural-born citizen requirement outlined in Article II of the US Constitution. However, it hasnât stopped speculation. Some of Muskâs more ardent fans have proposed amending the Constitution to allow naturalized citizens to run for president, citing Muskâs contributions to American innovation and global prestige.
But even if the legal barriers were removed, Muskâs path to the presidency would be fraught with challenges. His polarising persona, unpredictable behaviour, and tendency to wade into contentious debates have alienated significant parts of the population.
While his fan base is passionate, his detractors are equally vocal, making a Musk candidacy a lightning rod for controversy. Though a Musk presidency remains highly improbable, his influence on American politics is undeniable.
As âFirst Buddy,â he occupies a unique role – one that blurs the lines between business magnate, cultural icon, and political power broker. His ability to shape the Republican Partyâs agenda and galvanize public opinion suggests that Musk doesnât need an official title to wield significant power.
For now, the nicknames âPresident Muskâ and âVice President Trumpâ serve as a satirical commentary on the evolving nature of leadership and influence in America. They reflect a reality in which traditional power structures are being upended and the boundaries between politics, technology, and celebrity are increasingly confused.
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