Elon Musk’s 100-Day Bet: A New Era of Power, Policy, and Fallout

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The intersection of money and political power in the U.S. is hardly novel, but the alliance between billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has taken this dynamic to unprecedented levels. Over the first 100 days of Trump’s current term, Musk has emerged not only as the administration’s most prominent financial backer but also as one of its most influential figures—both operationally and ideologically.

The Unconventional Alliance

Elon Musk was the single largest donor in the 2024 election cycle, prompting some to suggest that Trump sees him as a kind of personal bank. The bond between the two has become a frequent subject of media scrutiny and public discourse. Musk himself fueled that narrative with a now-infamous tweet: “I love Donald Trump as much as a straight man can love another man.”

Over the past three months, this alliance has helped propel sweeping administrative changes under the umbrella of Project 2025—a strategic blueprint aimed at reshaping the U.S. federal government. The initiative has largely bypassed Congress, instead relying on executive orders to push through significant reforms.

Enter “Doge”

Musk’s governmental initiative, referred to as “Doge,” has become the symbol of this transformation. The stated goal of Doge is to conduct audits across federal agencies and drastically downsize the government. Musk and his allies have placed loyalists throughout key departments, many of which had previously investigated various elements of Musk’s empire—Tesla, SpaceX, and the payments ambitions of X (formerly Twitter).

Notably, federal agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have ongoing probes into Tesla's autonomous driving technology and customer complaints. Yet now, Doge operatives are embedded within these very institutions, accessing valuable government data that could benefit Musk’s AI training efforts.

Space, Power, and Conflict of Interest

The appointment of billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to lead NASA underscored Musk's reach. Isaacman, a longtime Musk ally and veteran of SpaceX spaceflights, is seen as a direct extension of Musk’s influence. With NASA as a key client, this close relationship fortifies SpaceX’s revenue streams and furthers Musk’s mission to colonize Mars.

However, this cozy relationship has not come without backlash. Polls indicate a significant decline in public perception of both Musk and Tesla. Vandalism against Tesla cars and showrooms has become alarmingly common, symbolizing the public’s growing discontent.

Tesla’s Free Fall

Tesla, once hailed as the stock market’s golden child, has not been immune to the political fallout. Since Trump’s inauguration, Tesla’s stock has plummeted nearly 40%, with first-quarter sales down 13% year-over-year. Analysts like Dan Ives have declared a “code red” for the company, blaming Musk’s political entanglements for spooking investors and consumers alike.

While Tesla remains a major source of Musk's wealth, its declining performance has tangible effects on his net worth. Despite the losses, Musk continues to benefit from proximity to Trump, with the president even helping to market Tesla vehicles during public appearances—a highly unusual move for a sitting head of state.

Tensions Within the Alliance

Not all of Trump’s policies have aligned with Musk’s interests. Trade tariffs, especially those targeting Chinese imports used in Tesla's battery production, have drawn Musk’s ire. While he hasn’t criticized Trump directly, he has publicly lambasted key Trump advisor Peter Navarro as “a moron and dumber than a sack of bricks.”

Within Republican circles, Musk is increasingly seen as both an asset and a liability—vital for fundraising, yet potentially toxic for public image. His role in future congressional races, particularly the pivotal 2026 midterms, remains a strategic consideration.

The Fallout of Doge

The Doge initiative claims to have uncovered massive inefficiencies, but so far, results have been mixed. Despite bold projections—including a promised $150 billion in budget cuts by 2026—actual findings of fraud or waste have been minimal. Moreover, the wave of litigation from dismissed federal employees and agencies has begun to mount.

Interestingly, this upheaval has served to highlight the effectiveness of some government functions, contradicting Doge’s foundational premise. Still, ideological leaders like Russell Vought, one of the architects of Project 2025, hail the initiative as a major success.

A Controversial Legacy in Progress

Musk has not shied away from controversy during his government tenure. His social media posts—including a shocking reference to feeding USAID “into a woodchipper”—have raised alarms internationally. USAID has long been a pillar of America’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, and such rhetoric marks a stark departure from past norms.

As the initial 100-day mark passes, Musk remains deeply entrenched in the Trump administration’s machinery. With Doge slated to continue through July 2026, his influence is unlikely to wane. Yet the personal and professional cost of his high-stakes bet is becoming increasingly evident.

The past 100 days have made one thing clear: Musk has reshaped not only the federal government but also his own legacy—and perhaps not for the better.