Trump's SpaceX adventure with Elon Musk ends in failure
Unorthodox Partnership Unravels
WASHINGTON - The whirlwind partnership between billionaire Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump, likened to a 2,500-year-old religion, came to an end after four tumultuous months. Known for his Space X and Tesla businesses, Musk departed from the political sphere, citing growing frustrations with the barriers faced by his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Once a constant presence at Trump's side, the controversial tech tycoon had become increasingly distant, focusing on his businesses rather than the role in the White House. The White House's response to the departure was brief, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that the work of DOGE would continue.
Musk's meteoric rise in Trump's orbit was as rapid as a Space X rocket. Despite conflicting egos, they became close confidants after Musk became the biggest donor to Trump's 2024 election campaign. DOGE launched with a vengeance, slashing jobs, shuttering departments, and grabbing headlines. Critics mockingly named Musk the "co-president".
The tech magnate's tenure was marked by high-profile appearances, from press conferences in the Oval Office to watching cage fights with Trump. However, the socially awkward Musk struggled to navigate the complexities of US politics. Friction grew particularly apparent in March, when Musk and Trump butted heads several times in the Oval Office and cabinet room.
Musk's businesses began to suffer as well. High-profile Space X launches ended in catastrophic failures, while Tesla shareholders pressured him to focus on his companies. Tensions escalated further when Musk openly criticized Trump's $2.2 trillion spending bill, voicing concerns over the bill's impact on the federal deficit and the mission of DOGE to reduce wasteful spending.
Despite the disagreements, Musk maintained a public facade of loyalty. However, his silence during Trump's controversial statements about South African leaders suggested a growing disconnect. With the term limit of a Special Government Employee looming, Musk officially announced his departure.
Yet, Musk's split with Trump might not be the end of the story. Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution believes that the two may continue to have a relationship, albeit not in the political sphere. Musk, with his deep pockets, could potentially contribute to political campaigns in the future.
In the aftermath of the terminated partnership, Elon Musk's focus shifted back to his businesses in finance and technology, particularly Space X and Tesla, following growing frustrations with the bureaucratic barriers within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The implications of Musk's future involvement in the political landscape, such as potential contributions to political campaigns, remain uncertain, linking the domains of business, technology, and politics. Despite his public departure from the White House, politics continues to intersect with Musk's general-news worthy endeavors, as criticisms from stakeholders and distinct ideologies challenge his success in both business and politics.
