The election of Donald Trump as US President could not only have political consequences but also profoundly change the corporate landscape. Elon Musk, the self-proclaimed innovation leader and visionary billionaire, is preparing to place his long-time confidants in government positions and radically transform American bureaucracy. With his "A-Team" of tech elites, engineers, and loyal investors, Musk has created a strategic lineup for government restructuring that relies on his entrepreneurial network and even demands a seat at Trump's government table.
The Takeover: Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency
In a time when bureaucracy is often seen as an obstacle to innovation, Musk plans to cut $2 trillion from the US budget and eliminate numerous regulations as head of a new "Department of Government Efficiency." The CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink aims not only to streamline processes but also to create space for his companies' technologies. Internally, the Pentagon already refers to Musk as the "key to revolutionizing defense technology," with SpaceX satellites and Tesla autonomy potentially representing the infrastructure of the future.
Musk's "A-Team": Brutal Efficiency and Iron Loyalty
Musk relies on a close network of loyal experts for this transformation, who implement his ideas ruthlessly and efficiently. Steve Davis, president of Musk's tunneling company The Boring Company, is considered a strong hand for structural changes and became known for his rigid personnel decisions during the Twitter acquisition. Davis, who literally slept in the company's office spaces, is also expected to take on key positions in the US government to enforce Musk's economic reform agenda.
Another member of the "tight-knit team" is Omead Afshar, known as the "firefighter" for Musk. The engineer played a key role in the construction of Giga Texas and the mass layoffs at Tesla. Musk internally refers to him as the "enforcer," someone who implements even the most unpopular decisions uncompromisingly.
The Silicon Valley Strategists: Musk and His New Comrades
However, Musk does not rely solely on engineers and efficiency experts. A new generation of tech strategists and influential venture capitalists, including David Sacks and Jason Calacanis, are also at Musk's side.
Jared Birchall: The Invisible Puppet Master
A name that plays an almost mythical role in Musk's circle is Jared Birchall. As the manager of Musk's family wealth and a central advisor in the Twitter takeover, he knows Musk's plans inside and out. The former Goldman Sachs banker and disciplined Mormon is considered one of the few people whom Musk trusts unconditionally. His negotiation skills and financial expertise make him a key figure in representing Musk's interests in the new government – whether through tax advantages for Tesla's electric vehicles or through the relaxation of regulations for autonomous driving.
Political and Economic Risks: Musk's Maneuvers at the Top of the Government
However, Musk's Influence Also Has Its Dark Sides.
Musk's Mars Mission and the Pentagon: Tech Giants as New Power in the Military
With Starlink satellites and plans for a Mars mission, Musk also aims to expand military infrastructure. For the Department of Defense, Musk is already planning to send experienced SpaceX leaders, such as former General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, to the Pentagon to elevate U.S. defense technology to the next level. However, experts fear that such a strong influence from the private sector could destabilize security policies.
Tesla and the Unresolved Conflicts with the Government
For Tesla, which is increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence and autonomous robotaxis, the course in Washington remains critical. Despite tax incentives and revenue from emissions certificates, Tesla is under scrutiny due to repeated issues with its autopilot program. The California Department of Motor Vehicles has so far denied Tesla approval for fully autonomous driving—a hurdle that Musk hopes to soon overcome with Trump's support.
Will Musk revolutionize the US government?
With a unique network of elite engineers, loyal investors, and risk-taking strategists, Elon Musk is poised to roll over Washington's bureaucracy and reshape economic policy. From autonomous robotaxis and military satellites to tax policy — Musk has clear plans that could change both the landscape of innovation and the balance of power in the United States. But the price of this revolution? The independence of the American state is at stake as Elon Musk and his "A-Team" rewrite the rules.
