Trump to dump Musk? US President may have a ‘liftoff’ plan

For months, Elon Musk has been a near-permanent fixture at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, renting the Banyan Cottage for around $2,000 per night while engaging in high-level discussions with tech billionaires and political influencers. His presence has been welcomed publicly, but behind closed doors, Trump’s patience appears to be wearing thin.

According to journalist Maggie Haberman, Trump is privately "growing weary" of Musk’s constant presence, despite his status as a megadonor and a self-proclaimed "First Buddy." The Daily Beast echoed this sentiment, reporting that Musk’s proximity is causing "significant tension" within Trump’s inner circle.

Trump’s Social Media Post: A Space-Sized Hint?

In what some saw as a tongue-in-cheek attempt to push Musk out of his orbit, Trump recently posted on social media:

"I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to ‘go get’ the two brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on the Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck, Elon!!!"

While most interpreted this as another swipe at Biden, others speculated that Trump was also subtly suggesting Musk take a one-way trip off the planet.

Will Trump Finally Get His ‘Space’ from Musk—Literally?

Despite his deep pockets, Musk is finding his access to Trump increasingly restricted, thanks in large part to chief of staff Susie Wiles. Reports initially suggested Musk was set to receive an office in the West Wing and even a government email account. However, Wiles swiftly shut down those rumours, ensuring Musk’s influence remained checked.

Wiles reportedly told Axios, "I don’t welcome people who want to work solo or be a star. My team and I will not tolerate backbiting, second-guessing inappropriately, or drama. These are counterproductive to the mission."

Instead of a coveted West Wing spot, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team—tasked with cutting $2 trillion in federal spending—is now operating from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, separate from Trump’s inner sanctum.

Musk appeared unfazed, reacting to reports about his diminished role with a string of laughter emojis on social media.

Musk: Power Broker or Political Disruptor?

Musk’s political influence extends far beyond Washington. His $277 million donation to Trump’s re-election campaign has cemented his role as a key conservative backer. Some have gone so far as to call him the "George Soros of the Right."

Republican lawmakers have openly praised him, with Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) dubbing him "our prime minister." However, not everyone is thrilled about his growing clout. Senator Bernie Sanders quipped, "Will Republicans kiss the ring?" while Rep. Jim McGovern suggested, "At least we know who’s in charge—he’s president, and Trump is now vice president."

Trump, for his part, has been quick to shut down speculation that Musk could ever hold political office. "He's not going to be president. That I can tell you. And I'm safe. You know why? He can't be. He wasn't born in this country."

AI Feud: Musk vs. Trump’s Stargate Project

Adding to the tension is Musk’s vocal criticism of Trump’s $500 billion AI project, Stargate. The initiative, involving OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, has been dismissed by Musk as financially unviable. His skepticism likely stems from his ongoing feud with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, whom Musk has accused of shifting the company’s mission for private gain.

Trump downplayed Musk’s concerns, suggesting his objections were personal rather than financial. "No, he hates one of the people," Trump said, referring to Musk’s rivalry with Altman.

Musk’s Global Political Moves Raise Eyebrows

Beyond the U.S., Musk is making waves in international politics. Reports indicate he is considering a $127 million donation to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, a move that would make it the largest political donation in British history. Meanwhile, in Germany, Musk has openly endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, despite its classification as an extremist organisation by German intelligence.

These moves have sparked concerns about billionaires shaping political landscapes across multiple countries without traditional oversight. Musk, however, insists he is merely offering a "centrist counterweight" to figures like George Soros.

Public Opinion: Musk Fatigue?

Musk’s rise as a political heavyweight hasn’t been met with universal approval. A recent AP-NORC poll found that 52% of Americans now view him unfavourably, a stark reversal from 2022, when nearly half had a positive impression. Additionally, 60% of respondents expressed concerns about billionaires holding too much sway over government decisions, with only 12% supporting such influence.

Even within Trump’s camp, Musk’s standing remains uncertain. While he still commands financial leverage, his increasing presence and assertiveness may be testing Trump’s patience. As journalist Maggie Haberman put it, Musk’s role in Trump’s world is "constantly shifting," with his position "precarious but pretty influential."

Whether Trump truly wants Musk gone or simply enjoys keeping him on edge remains to be seen. But if Musk does end up in space, at least we’ll know who sent him there.