In 2025, a peculiar situation has unfolded in the United States, with Elon Musk playing a significant role in the government. While he is not officially the President, his influence is substantial, leading some to jokingly refer to him as the “real president.” This notion stems from his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his close relationship with President Donald Trump.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has been appointed as a Senior Advisor to the President. He is widely seen as the de-facto head of DOGE, which aims to reduce government spending and has already led to thousands of job cuts across federal agencies. Despite not having formal decision-making authority, Musk’s advisory role gives him considerable influence over government policies and operations[3][5].
Musk’s political clout is further amplified by his financial support for President Trump’s political operations. He has pledged to donate $100 million, a sum unprecedented in both amount and type, making him Trump’s biggest financial backer[1]. This financial backing, combined with his role in DOGE, positions Musk as a key figure in shaping the Trump administration’s policies.
However, Musk’s involvement has not been without controversy. His actions through DOGE have faced legal challenges and criticism from lawmakers and government workers. President Trump has had to clarify Musk’s role, emphasizing that while Musk can make recommendations, final decisions rest with Cabinet secretaries[4].
In essence, while Elon Musk is not the official President, his influence on the Trump administration and his role in shaping government policies make him a powerful figure in U.S. politics in 2025. His unique position as a business leader turned government advisor has sparked both interest and concern about the future of governance in the United States.
