Elon Musk’s recent fallout with the Trump administration has sparked intense debate, particularly regarding Musk’s views on Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which he claims threatens his business interests. Though Musk has distanced himself from government, his longtime associates remain embedded within the White House, raising concerns about potential continued influence over policy decisions.
Concerns are mounting among Trump officials about the presence of DOGE staffers with connections to Musk. Reports from The Wall Street Journal highlight the anxiety surrounding Steve Davis, a key figure in Musk’s operations and previously a DOGE leader. Despite his departure from DOGE, Davis maintains frequent communication with staff members, leaving some officials uneasy about where their loyalties lie. According to sources, Davis often connects with them using secure messaging platforms, sometimes multiple times weekly.
What Is the Future of DOGE?
The mission of DOGE, which aimed to reform government IT systems, seems increasingly ambiguous. Some former DOGE officials indicate that Musk’s allies aim to pursue a DOGE 2.0 with a focus on modernizing government resources rather than merely cutting jobs. Yet, skepticism exists within the White House, with concerns that Musk and Davis are simply maneuvering to bolster their business advantages.
Why Is the Trump Administration Keeping Musk’s Associates?
Despite the apparent tensions between Musk and Trump, the administration continues to employ staff linked to the billionaire. A ProPublica report in June revealed that over 100 employees with connections to Musk still work at DOGE. Of these, at least 38 were directly associated with Musk’s businesses. This raises questions about the government’s ability to eliminate Musk’s influence, particularly as some DOGE employees are reportedly being asked about their loyalties.
Does Musk Still Have Influence Within DOGE?
Interestingly, Musk met with numerous DOGE staffers shortly after the fallout with Trump. Reports suggest that in a June meeting, Musk reassured key DOGE employees of his support, all while the controversy was still fresh. Notably, he shared the stage with Davis and Katie Miller, the spouse of senior Trump advisor Stephen Miller, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
What Role Does Katie Miller Play?
Katie Miller’s dual association with Musk and her husband Stephen Miller, a senior Trump official, is puzzling. Stephen Miller has been involved in several significant policy initiatives during the Trump era, such as immigration reform. Speculative rumors have even suggested a potential affair between Musk and Katie, but these are largely unsubstantiated. The real question remains: Why would a senior government official allow his spouse to work closely with a figure at odds with the administration?
What Are the Prospects for DOGE Moving Forward?
The Trump administration faces a dilemma; purging Musk-affiliated staff could be seen as a failure of DOGE, while keeping them may undermine its objectives. The qualifications of many DOGE workers, predominantly young former software engineers, have also come into question. Given DOGE’s unpopularity among the public, the administration could realistically consider restructuring or dissolving the initiative altogether.
When approached about the rift between Musk and Trump, officials have opted for cautious, vague responses. Susie Wiles, Trump’s chief of staff, reflected on Musk’s contributions during a recent podcast, indicating a sentiment of loss over what could have been. But she, like many others, remains unsure about the splintering of their relationship.
Will the conflict between Musk and Trump lead to significant changes in DOGE’s direction? It seems that while tensions exist, the intertwined relationships may complicate any swift resolutions. If you want to stay updated on this saga and delve deeper, keep exploring more on this topic.
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