Elon Musk is considered to be more powerful than Donald Trump’s cabinet (Image: The Washington Post, The Washington Post via Getty Images)
During US President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress, a political journalist highlighted ‘s significant influence. Trump, embarking on his second term, delivered a lengthy address to a joint session this week, with not only political parties, but also billionaire Musk in attendance.
In his role as head of DOGE, the Department Of Government Efficiency, Musk has significantly restructured key government divisions. With many now considering him America’s unofficial ‘Prime Minister,’ he is seen as second in power only to Trump within the White House.
Commenting on Musk’s presence during Sky’s TRUMP100 podcast, Mark Stone underscored a moment that showcased Musk’s dominance. Stone remarked: “One thing about which I thought was amusing and brought the picture to life, is that as the Cabinet were walking in at the beginning was literally above them.”
He added: “He is figuratively above them, we see how all-powerful he is, and literally above them because he was standing or sitting at the First Lady’s box which is right above the corridor through which the cabinet walked so that was a telling and apt visual I thought.”
Elon Musk in Congress (Image: Getty)
‘s vast power and influence, marked by his unpredictable tweets and attempts to sway British politics, have caused a stir on both sides of the pond. Yet, the White House has firmly backed Musk’s grip on power.
This week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Musk’s casual attire in the Oval Office, contrasting with criticism faced by ‘s for a similar dress code breach.
Addressing the perceived double standards, Leavitt highlighted that Musk had donned a suit for Trump’s speech to Congress, saying: “Well, wore a suit last night. I’m sure you saw it.
“I’m just pointing out that he did wear a suit last night and I think the president liked that very much and he looked great.”
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Elon Musk has become deeply unpopular outside of the USA (Image: Getty)
Outside America, Tesla, Musk’s car company, is facing financial woes as customers try to dissociate from his political actions.
In Europe, Tesla sales have almost halved, with significant pushback also emerging in the UK and Australia.
Despite Tesla’s share price dip, the UK has seen a 20% increase in sales, with nearly 4,000 Teslas sold in February alone, as reported by the Guardian, citing figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Despite this, Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the SMMT, has suggested that it’s too early to tell if Tesla’s situation is a temporary hiccup or a sign of impending downfall as ‘s popularity wanes in the UK.
He stated: “The good news is that electric car uptake is increasing, albeit at huge cost to manufacturers in terms of market support.
“It is always dangerous, however, to draw conclusions from a single month, especially one as small and volatile as February.”