At a recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the iconic red “Make America Great Again” hats were prevalent alongside a significant number of black “Dark MAGA” hats, a trend attributed to the influence of Elon Musk. This notable presence of Musk’s branding highlights his increasing sway within conservative circles, transforming from a Democrat supporter to a pivotal figure among conservatives, largely due to his connections with Donald Trump.
Musk’s unexpected appearance at CPAC saw him take the stage wielding a chainsaw, signalling his bold persona and impact, particularly following a court case where the Trump administration downplayed his role in governmental oversight. Attendees, including real estate agent Whitney Mason, expressed admiration for Musk’s authenticity and contribution to conservative ideals, with numerous speakers at the event lauding him as a champion of free speech.
During the conference, speakers frequently referenced Musk’s association with the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, a nod to his popularisation of the meme coin. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Musk and his team for streamlining processes within the government, contrasting this with what he perceived as congressional inefficiency. The Trump administration, with Musk’s advisory input, has drastically reduced federal workforce size without congressional approval and has disrupted various government agencies through cost-cutting measures.
While some conservatives celebrate Musk’s fiscal strategies for government efficiency, concerns arise regarding his unregulated involvement and the potential for self-interest, especially as Tesla faces federal scrutiny. Young Trump supporters like Colin McEvers expressed apprehension over Musk’s expanding influence, highlighting a potential conflict of interest as he aims to reduce regulations that may ultimately benefit his businesses.
Amidst this discussion, Musk’s controversial immigration policies brought scrutiny from some MAGA figures, including Steve Bannon, who previously heralded Musk as a ‘parasitic illegal immigrant’. Nevertheless, Bannon did not critique Musk during the conference and faced his own backlash for a gesture interpreted as reminiscent of a Nazi salute.
While Musk garners praise from Trump for doing an impressive job, some critics, such as Mark Cuban, argue that Musk’s actions may undermine Republican values. Cuban ridiculed Musk’s relevance among conservative constituents, suggesting he might complicate Trump’s objectives further.
As Trump publicly urged Musk to adopt a more aggressive stance, he dismissed criticisms regarding Musk’s lack of an official governmental role, branding him a patriot instead. The conference highlighted the complex interplay of Musk’s growing power, conservative collaboration, and ongoing debates surrounding the intersection of business, politics, and governance in America.