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The Rise and Fall of Elon Musk as Trump’s Key Ally: A Tale of Ambition, Clashes, and a Pivotal Meeting

In early 2025, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X, emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent allies during Trump’s second term.

Musk’s appointment as a special adviser and co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) positioned him as a central figure in the administration’s push to streamline federal operations.

However, by April 2025, reports surfaced of a dramatic shift: Musk’s influence was waning, and his once-close relationship with Trump was fraying.

A contentious cabinet meeting, marked by heated exchanges and strategic missteps, reportedly became a turning point in what some have called Musk’s “downfall” as Trump’s right-hand man.

This article explores the factors leading to this moment, the meeting that reportedly set Trump off, and the broader implications for both men.

Musk’s Ascent: From Outsider to Insider

Elon Musk’s journey into Trump’s inner circle was unconventional.

Historically, Musk had maintained a politically eclectic stance, supporting Democrats like Barack Obama and criticizing Trump’s policies during his first term, notably resigning from White House advisory councils in 2017 over the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.

By 2024, however, Musk’s politics had shifted rightward, aligning with Trump’s campaign through substantial financial contributions—reportedly $288 million—and vocal endorsements on X, the platform he owns.

After Trump’s victory in November 2024, Musk became a near-constant presence at Mar-a-Lago, sitting in on high-level meetings and accompanying Trump on international trips.

His role as co-leader of DOGE, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, tasked him with slashing federal spending and reducing government bureaucracy.

Musk’s ambitious plans included cutting hundreds of thousands of federal jobs and reducing the budget by up to $2 trillion, earning him both praise and criticism.

Early cabinet meetings showcased his influence, with Trump and cabinet members lauding his efforts to uncover alleged waste and fraud, even as some of Musk’s claims were later debunked.

Musk’s prominence was undeniable. At a February 2025 cabinet meeting, Trump praised him as a “patriot” and “friend,” while cabinet secretaries credited DOGE with identifying fraudulent contracts.

Musk, often sporting provocative attire like a “Trump Was Right About Everything” hat, seemed to revel in his role as the administration’s disruptor-in-chief. Yet, beneath the surface, tensions were brewing.

Cracks in the Alliance: Clashes and Controversies

Musk’s aggressive approach to government reform quickly sparked friction.

His “slash-and-burn” tactics, including demands for federal workers to justify their roles and abrupt cancellations of contracts (some mistakenly, like Ebola prevention programs), alienated cabinet members and career officials.

Sources close to the administration noted Musk’s reluctance to coordinate with senior staff, often announcing DOGE’s plans publicly without consulting affected agencies.

This lack of communication frustrated key figures like Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, whom Trump tasked with holding weekly meetings to manage Musk’s integration.

Musk’s public behavior further complicated matters.

His outspoken posts on X, where he criticized cabinet members and touted DOGE’s achievements, were seen as divisive.

A notable incident at a conservative event in February 2025 saw Musk brandishing a chainsaw on stage to symbolize his commitment to cutting government waste—a stunt that drew applause from some but criticism from Trump allies who called it “too extreme.”

GOP Senator Lindsey Graham warned that such theatrics could harm Republicans in upcoming elections.
Musk’s business interests also raised concerns.

His extensive dealings in China, where Tesla operates a major factory, clashed with the administration’s hardline stance on Beijing.

Reports that the Pentagon planned to brief Musk on classified China-related war plans sparked alarm, with Trump reportedly furious over the potential conflict of interest.

Additionally, Musk’s failure to deliver on DOGE’s lofty promises—such as the lack of prosecutions for alleged fraud uncovered by his team—undermined his credibility.

The Meeting That Changed Everything
The tipping point came during a cabinet meeting in early March 2025, described by insiders as a remarkable display of discord.

Held in the White House Cabinet Room, the meeting saw Musk clash openly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a key Trump ally.

According to reports, Musk accused Rubio of failing to downsize the State Department, mockingly suggesting Rubio had fired only one person—a DOGE staffer.

Rubio, who had been privately irritated by Musk’s unilateral decision to shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), an agency under his purview, fired back.

He defended his record, citing 1,500 early retirements through buyouts, and accused Musk of spreading falsehoods.

The exchange, witnessed by Trump and around 20 others, was unprecedented in its intensity.

Rubio’s grievances reflected broader cabinet frustrations: Musk’s unchecked power and lack of accountability were undermining the administration’s cohesion.

Trump, known for his aversion to internal conflict, reportedly grew incensed.

Sources suggest he was particularly angered by Musk’s failure to align with the administration’s broader strategy and the negative attention the billionaire’s antics were drawing.

Behind closed doors, Trump’s reaction was swift.

He reportedly instructed aides to rein in Musk, signaling a shift in their relationship. By early April, Politico reported that Trump had informed his inner circle, including cabinet members, that Musk would soon step back from his high-profile role.

While Trump continued to praise Musk publicly, calling him a “genius” and “patriot,” insiders noted that the decision was driven by Musk’s growing perception as a political liability.
The Aftermath: Musk’s Exit and Legacy

By April 2025, Musk’s tenure as a central figure in Trump’s administration appeared to be nearing its end.

Sources indicated that Musk would return to his businesses, though he was unlikely to vanish entirely from Trump’s orbit.

One aide told Politico, “Anyone who thinks Musk is going to disappear is fooling themselves,” suggesting he would retain informal access to the president.

Musk himself hinted at a transition, telling Fox News’ Bret Baier that DOGE had largely accomplished its goal of reducing the deficit by $1 trillion.

The fallout raised questions about Musk’s impact. Supporters credited him with pushing bold reforms and exposing inefficiencies, even if his methods were controversial.