The United States (US) has long been under scrutiny due to its plutocratic tendencies, where wealthy elites have an outsized influence on politics and policies. The intertwining of money and power is evident in lobbying, campaign financing, and the personal influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. With increasing concerns about the role wealth plays in shaping both domestic and international politics, the US is at a critical juncture in its political evolution.
The influence of the wealthy on US politics is not new. Historically, industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller played important roles in shaping the country’s direction. In the modern age, billionaires demonstrate their influence through campaign donations, policy advocacy, and even serving in public office. This has led to criticisms that the US is becoming more oligarchic, where policies often favor corporate interests over those of ordinary citizens. For example, loopholes in corporate taxes enable billionaires to amass even greater wealth. Additionally, deregulation efforts in sectors like technology and finance are often supported by interested parties, further strengthening plutocratic power.[1]
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X, stands out as a significant figure both in business and politics. Unlike traditional political actors, Musk uses his wealth and technological empire to influence global and local issues. Over the past six months, Musk’s actions have indicated an increasing will to reshape politics to align with his own vision.
Musk’s public criticism of leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while supporting far-right populist parties like Germany’s AfD and Italy’s Georgia Meloni, raises serious questions about the role of private individuals in international relations. The involvement of the private sector and individual billionaires in such critical matters could accelerate the transformation of the traditional state-centric international system.[2]
Musk’s statements and actions call into question the balance between the sovereignty of nations and the rising power of global actors. Musk, with infrastructure projects like Starlink, has been effective in crisis zones, using this position as leverage in political interventions. For instance, his decision to limit Starlink access in the Russia-Ukraine war highlights an individual’s potential to alter the course of an international conflict. This supports claims in liberal theory about the rise of non-state actors. However, tying states’ interests too closely to individual preferences may make the international order more fragile. The economic and technological power of individuals like Musk can influence not only diplomatic processes but also global security.
Musk’s rise in the political arena has led to comparisons with Donald Trump, as both figures represent disruptive, plutocratic powers that challenge traditional political norms. While they share similarities in populist rhetoric and their ability to polarize, Musk’s approach differs significantly, prompting the question: Can Elon Musk truly be seen as the new Donald Trump?
Trump’s “America First” doctrine resonated with voters who felt left behind by globalization, while Musk’s defense of “freedom of speech” and criticism of government overreach has made him a hero among libertarian and far-right circles. Trump’s presidency was marked by his mastery of social media, especially Twitter. Musk has taken this strategy to a new level by using the X platform not just for political commentary but also to directly target leaders and governments.[3]
Trump positioned himself as an outsider challenging the political elite, and Musk has adopted this rhetoric by criticizing centrist politicians, international institutions, and mainstream media. Both figures’ anti-establishment messages resonate with those disillusioned with traditional politics. Both have significant global influence—Trump through political leadership and Musk through his economic empire. Their actions resonate well beyond US borders, shaping international policies and alliances. Trump is fundamentally pragmatic and open to deals with anyone who aligns with the “America First” agenda, while Musk adopts a more ideological stance, using his influence to support far-right movements and challenge centrist politics on a global scale. His interventions are not only transactional but often driven by personal beliefs.
Unlike Trump, Musk’s power extends beyond politics into technology. His control over Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, and X gives him unique tools to influence public opinion and government policies. For example, his use of Starlink in geopolitical conflicts showcases his capacity to act as a private entity with semi-state power. While Trump focused largely on US politics and its close allies, Musk’s interventions are broader, targeting countries across Europe, Latin America, and beyond. His support for populist leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and criticisms of European governance suggest a broader goal to reshape global politics.
Unlike Trump, whose brand is tied to traditional business and reality TV, Musk’s innovative persona allows him to cross typical political boundaries and appeal to a younger, tech-savvy audience. Polls conducted in the UK and Germany show that Musk’s political interventions are not widely supported. Unlike Trump, who has a solid base of loyal supporters, Musk’s popularity is more polarizing and less stable.
Elon Musk may not be the new Donald Trump, but his actions undoubtedly represent an evolution of Trumpism. This new form is a more tech-savvy, ideologically driven style of plutocratic influence. While Trump upended political norms during his presidency, Musk is reshaping global politics with his economic empire and dominance on social media. Musk’s role in the political arena is still in its early stages, and the trajectory suggests it will be a long-lasting one. As his influence grows, so will the challenge of controlling the power that ultra-wealthy individuals wield in shaping the world order.
[1] “Elon Musk is elevating Trump’s foreign policy of deliberate disruption to a new level”, The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-is-elevating-trumps-foreign-policy-of-deliberate-disruption-to-a-new-level-247159, (Date Accession: 17.01.2025).
[2] “Elon Musk knows little about UK and Germany and should not interfere – poll”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/17/elon-musk-uk-germany-favourability-yougov-poll, (Date Accession: 17.01.2025).
[3] Ibid.
