February 14, 2025 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed back against criticism suggesting that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk holds undue influence over him or his political decisions.
Speaking at a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday, Trump dismissed claims that Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is “in charge” of any aspect of his political agenda, calling the idea “fake news” and a distraction from real issues facing the country.
“Elon is a brilliant guy, a big thinker, and he loves this country,” Trump told supporters. “But let’s be clear: Nobody tells Trump what to do.”
The remarks come amid growing speculation that Musk’s increasing involvement in political discourse—ranging from criticism of government policies to discussions on artificial intelligence and free speech—has made him a key player in conservative circles. Some critics argue that Musk’s close relationship with Republican leaders, including Trump, signals an outsized influence in shaping policies on technology, business regulation, and even space exploration.
In recent months, Musk has been vocal about his views on government overreach, the economy, and immigration, often using his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to challenge both Democrats and Republicans. While he has expressed support for some of Trump’s policies, Musk has also maintained that he is not politically aligned with any single party.
Musk’s Response
Shortly after Trump’s comments, Musk weighed in on the debate, posting on X: “I am not in charge of Trump or anyone else. I support policies that make sense for the future of humanity.”
Musk’s stance reflects his broader ideological approach—favoring technological progress, free-market policies, and what he sees as common-sense governance, regardless of party lines.
Political Reactions
Democrats have used the controversy to highlight what they describe as the growing influence of billionaires in politics. “Musk may not be ‘in charge’ of Trump, but it’s clear that ultra-wealthy elites are shaping policy behind the scenes,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) in a statement.
Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters largely view Musk as an ally rather than a decision-maker. “Elon is an independent thinker, and so is Trump. That’s why they respect each other,” one rally attendee told reporters.
As the 2024 election season heats up, both Trump and Musk remain powerful figures in the political landscape—whether working together or charting their own paths.
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