Seven weeks into President Trump’s second term, Elon Musk has become a disruptive force in Washington, wielding his influence over policy decisions and reshaping political dynamics. His close ties with the White House, unconventional governing style, and aggressive budget cuts have unsettled even Republican lawmakers while energizing Democrats eager to turn him into a campaign issue, reported the New York Times.
Republican concerns over job losses
Musk, who contributed nearly $300 million to Trump’s reelection, has been a dominant presence in the administration. His Department of Government Efficiency is pushing for deep spending cuts, threatening federal jobs and programs. While many Republicans initially embraced Musk’s cost-cutting zeal, concerns are growing about the political fallout.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia warned that job losses could pose a risk for the GOP. “Anytime anybody loses a job, it has political risk for whoever’s in power,” she said, reported the NYT. The billionaire’s controversial public persona—marked by provocative remarks and unpredictable behavior—has also raised eyebrows, adding to Republican unease.
Democrats seize on Musk’s unpopularity
Democrats, meanwhile, are seizing on Musk’s unpopularity to attack the Trump administration. Polls indicate that Musk is viewed unfavorably by a significant share of Americans, and Democratic strategists see an opportunity to tie him to Republican candidates. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut framed it bluntly: “Elon Musk and the billionaires have taken over government to steal from the American people to enrich themselves.”
Democratic groups are already running ads portraying Musk as a symbol of corporate overreach, reported the NYT. In Virginia, campaign materials accuse Trump of “cutting benefits to fund massive tax cuts for Elon Musk and billionaires.” In Wisconsin, Democrats have rebranded a state Supreme Court race as “The People vs. Musk.”
GOP pushback and internal tensions
Even within the GOP, there are signs of pushback. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina urged Musk to consider the consequences of a government shutdown, cautioning against “unproductive” disruption. Some Republicans are now pressing Musk for clearer explanations of his policies, though few are willing to break with him outright.
President Trump himself may be rethinking Musk’s role. While he praised Musk’s efforts in his congressional address, he later suggested his administration would take a more measured approach, favoring a “scalpel” over Musk’s “hatchet” approach to budget cuts.
The political stakes ahead
As Musk’s influence grows, Democrats are betting that his policies will become a potent electoral weapon. With potential cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits on the table, the political stakes are high. “If you don’t get your VA benefits or your Social Security check, they now own it,” said Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson.
