In recognition of Elon Musk’s steadfast support for Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election, he has been appointed to a prominent position within the administration. However, analysts caution that allowing someone with Musk’s influence to impact politics could pose risks to democratic processes.

Elon Musk owns several of the world’s leading technology companies, including the electric car manufacturer Tesla, the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), and the space exploration company SpaceX.

On Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 12), Trump announced the appointment of Elon Musk to lead a new initiative called the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), aimed at reducing government spending, bureaucracy, and oversight. The exact status of this organization remains unclear, as it will technically not function as a government department.


Nonetheless, this role grants Elon Musk significant influence over government policy. Details regarding DOGE's specific action plans, however, remain limited.

Digital rights experts have raised concerns about private company owners like Elon Musk, 53, becoming deeply involved in politics.


"The kind of technology Musk controls is essential, and the companies he owns hold immense power, with access to both information and geopolitics," stated Marietje Schaake, a fellow at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center and author of *The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley.* "He occupies a crucial position."


From 'moderate' to far-right influence


South African-born Musk has built a series of successful companies since starting his first business in the mid-1990s, amassing an estimated net worth of over 224 billion euros. His financial success has steadily bolstered his political influence.


Today, the U.S. space program relies on Musk’s company SpaceX to launch satellites, and SpaceX’s Starlink provides broadband internet to some of the world’s most remote regions. Starlink has become a critical communication tool for military forces in conflict zones, from Ukraine to Gaza.


Musk’s involvement in politics has intensified with the U.S. presidential election. Shortly after an attempted assassination in mid-July, he publicly endorsed Trump, later donating approximately $11.1 million to a super PAC supporting Trump’s campaign between July and mid-October.


What lies ahead?


This concentration of power over crucial digital infrastructure poses a democratic risk, warns cyber policy expert Schaake.


By late September, this potential influence began to emerge. Trump’s running mate JD Vance suggested the U.S. might reassess its support for NATO if the European Union (EU) pursues stricter regulations on social media platforms, especially Musk’s X. The EU is currently investigating X for potential violations of its new online platform regulations. If violations are found, Musk could face substantial fines.


Schaake noted that Musk’s stance can shift unpredictably, with significant consequences when a person controlling key infrastructure changes their position.