Elon Musk hailed as a tech visionary and genius entrepreneur, has left a significant mark not just on technology, but also on American politics. From launching rockets into space to virtually kickstarting the electric car industry, Musk has been everywhere in tech space. But in recent years, his growing political involvement, controversial statements, and unpredictable behaviour have led to a fall from grace in the political world. His journey from a celebrated innovator to a polarizing political figure and finally to a quiet exit recently—offers a striking example of how in USA – fame, power, and politics can collide.
The Rise: Tech Icon Turned Political Voice
Elon Musk built his reputation as a daring innovator who ventured into areas earlier seen as out of bounds. With companies like Tesla and SpaceX, he was seen as a symbol of American ingenuity and boldness. Politicians from both parties welcomed him as someone who could drive the country forward.
During the Obama years, Musk’s Tesla benefited from clean energy subsidies and government support. His work on electric cars, solar power, and space exploration aligned with the future America seemed to be chasing. He was viewed as apolitical—a brilliant entrepreneur focused on solving big problems.
However, that image began to change as Musk started speaking out more on political issues, especially on social media. What began as an occasional tweet or meme soon turned into a stream of strong opinions, criticisms, and endorsements – mostly of Republican Party.
The Trump Connection: A Surprising Ally
One of the most controversial turns in Musk’s political journey was his growing closeness to former President Donald Trump. Initially, Musk joined Trump’s business advisory council in 2017, only to step down later over the administration’s decision to leave the Paris Climate Agreement. At that time, many applauded Musk for standing by his principles.
But in the years that followed, especially after Trump left office, Musk’s political tone shifted dramatically. In 2022 and 2023, Musk became increasingly vocal in his support of Trump’s views—especially those related to free speech, government regulation, and media criticism.
On his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which he bought in 2022, Musk frequently echoed talking points common in right-wing circles. He criticized Democrats and supported controversial candidates. This shocked many of his fans and followers who had once seen him as a forward-looking, centrist thinker.
The Sledgehammer Approach: From Dogecoin to Division
Musk’s political influence wasn’t limited to endorsements. He used his enormous platform to shape public opinion on a wide range of issues, often in unexpected ways. One example is his promotion of Dogecoin, a meme cryptocurrency. Musk’s tweets caused wild price swings in Dogecoin, earning him the nickname “Dogefather.” While some saw this as a fun experiment in digital finance, others saw it as irresponsible market manipulation that hurt everyday investors.
In early 2025, President Trump appointed Musk to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to streamline federal operations and reduce bureaucracy. Musk’s tenure was marked by aggressive cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of over 200,000 federal jobs and the closure of agencies like USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau .
Musk’s methods, often described as a “sledgehammer” approach, drew sharp criticism. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak remarked that such mass firings were not conducive to effective governance, advocating for more measured reforms . Legal challenges arose, and Musk’s authority was eventually curtailed, requiring Cabinet approval for DOGE actions .
The Fall and Quiet Exit
By mid 2025, however, the shine had begun to wear off. Musk’s once-powerful voice started to lose its impact. His attempts to turn X into a political battleground led to advertiser boycotts and financial losses. Many of his tweets were seen as extreme or confusing.
His open support of conspiracy theories and controversial figures led to growing discomfort even among tech and business circles. Musk’s unpredictability began to worry investors, customers, and political leaders alike.
Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his role as head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), concluding a turbulent 130-day tenure marked by aggressive cost-cutting measures and political controversies. Appointed by President Trump, Musk aimed to streamline federal operations but faced criticism for his combative approach and clashes with top cabinet members. His departure follows disagreements over fiscal policies, including criticism of Trump’s latest tax bill, and coincides with significant setbacks in his business ventures, notably a 71% drop in Tesla’s quarterly profits. Musk announced his exit without consulting President Trump, signaling a retreat from political involvement to refocus on his companies.
A Mixed Legacy
Elon Musk’s journey through American politics is a lesson in how power and influence can cut both ways. He brought energy, ideas, and a fearless attitude to a system often seen as stale and slow. But his tendency to speak without filters, pick fights, and promote extreme views eventually undermined his own credibility.
Today, Musk remains one of the most influential figures in the world, but his role in politics has largely come to an end—at least for now. His rise and fall in this arena serve as a reminder that even the most brilliant minds can falter when they step too far into the unpredictable world of politics.
