At a cozy breakfast table in Erie, Pennsylvania, four close friends in their mid-80s – John, Jack, Bob, and Don – gather to reflect on their long-standing bond. Yet, it’s another Don, in his late 70s, who keeps sneaking into their conversations: President Donald Trump. Among the quartet, only Bob cast his vote for Trump. However, seeing Elon Musk by the Republican president’s side in the Oval Office defending plans to cut government spending has Bob questioning his choice. “I’m concerned about him,” Bob remarks about Musk. “I think he’s eyeing the presidency.”
Erie County played a crucial role in tipping the scales in favor of Trump during the 2024 presidential election. Trump secured 50.1% of the vote here, just four years after Joe Biden narrowly won the county. A significant part of Trump’s successful campaign was his commitment to revamp and shake up the federal government, promising substantial cuts if elected. This pledge resonated with Republican voters then and continues to do so now.
Prior to the election, voters weren’t fully aware of Musk’s pivotal role in the administration. Musk, the 53-year-old mastermind behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X, now heads the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), dedicated to streamlining government operations and is frequently seen alongside the president. His team has been actively monitoring spending in various departments, offering exit options to numerous workers, and halting federal funding and agency activities like USAID.
However, Democrats are raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to Musk’s vast government contracts and the possibility of self-serving actions. “This poses a threat to America’s interests,” stated Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer. “President Trump must exhibit leadership and rein in Doge before further harm is inflicted.”
This apprehension is echoed by lifelong Democrat John Pelinsky, who voted for Trump in the recent election to counter what he perceives as the leftward shift of Democrats. While he stands by his vote, the growing influence of Musk unsettles him. “Seeing him so frequently, I’m not entirely comfortable,” he admits. “Musk might be wielding too much sway over the president. He should stick to his space ventures and electric cars.”
In contrast, Musk maintains that he is fulfilling the mandate of Trump’s supporters. “The people have called for substantial government reform, and that’s precisely what they will receive,” he affirmed during an unexpected appearance at the White House. “That’s democracy in action.”
A recent poll conducted by CBS News, a partner of the BBC in the US, revealed that while a majority of Americans support Musk’s initiatives, opinions vary on the extent of his influence. In Erie, many enthusiasts are excited to witness not one but two billionaire businessmen at the helm in Washington.
Christine Barber, one of the supporters, waved off concerns, emphasizing that the American populace had consciously elected these individuals.
In a surprising turn of events, President Trump has tapped entrepreneur Elon Musk to assist in governing the nation. This unexpected partnership has stirred a mix of reactions among the public, with some expressing admiration for Musk’s intellect and business acumen, while others voice concerns about the consolidation of power in the White House.
One supporter, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared, “I personally admire Musk’s innovative spirit and believe that his collaboration with Trump could bring positive change to our country.”
However, not everyone is as optimistic. Patrick Laughlan, a skeptic, stated, “I have some level of trust in Trump and Musk, but it’s hard to fully trust someone you don’t really know. I hope they have the best interests of the American people at heart.”
On the other hand, Evan Lagace, a restaurant manager, commended Musk for his efforts to streamline processes and reduce inefficiencies. Lagace remarked, “Musk’s dedication to improving systems is commendable. His willingness to volunteer his time to address crucial issues facing our nation is truly admirable.”
Regarding Musk’s influence within the administration, Lagace remained unperturbed, stating, “Musk’s existing power is unquestionable. Whether he holds official authority or not, his impact will be felt regardless.”
The Trump-Musk alliance has sparked a flurry of debates across the nation, with individuals weighing the potential benefits of their collaboration against concerns about unchecked authority. As the partnership unfolds, only time will reveal the true extent of its impact on American governance.
