Elon Musk is not America’s new king. But he might be its new Thomas Cromwell | John Naughton
The billionaire was indispensable to Trump’s campaign and now has a senior job. He is about to become dangerously useful
Picture, if you will, the scene in Mar-a-Lago on election night at the moment when it’s become clear that Trump has won. The atmosphere is hysterical. Trump is in expansive form. He stands surrounded by his ghastly tribe of dependants, plus AN Other. In his victory speech, the president-elect praises his campaign staff, his prospective vice-president, and his family. Each gets a few seconds of adulation.
But AN Other gets a whole four minutes. He is Elon Musk, the richest manchild in history. Trump calls him a “super genius”, a “special guy” and a “star”. He has flown straight from Texas in his Gulfstream to bask in the adulation of his new lord and master. He has also paid several hundred million dollars, plus a month of his time, to be here. But now his time has come.
Continue reading...Topics
-
As Silicon Valley eyes US election, beware Elon Musk and the tech bros with political nous | John Naughton
World - The Guardian - October 20 -
Kristin Scott Thomas confirms secret wedding to Bloomberg News' John Micklethwait
Entertainment - Los Angeles Times - November 6 -
America Inc’s new CEO
Business - Financial Times - 5 days ago -
Our perverse respect for immense wealth allows Musk and Zuckerberg to run riot | John Naughton
World - The Guardian - October 26 -
Will Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's new 'department' actually be able to do anything?
Politics - NBC News - Yesterday -
What to know about Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s new administration
Top stories - NBC News - Yesterday -
Why Elon Musk Says His New Role ‘Won’t Be Business as Usual’
Business - Inc. - Yesterday -
Elon Musk met Iran's UN ambassador in New York
Top stories - BBC News - Yesterday -
Trump nominates Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead new efficiency department to ‘restructure federal agencies’ – live
World - The Guardian - 3 days ago
More from The Guardian
-
UK must choose between EU and Trump, trade experts warn
World - The Guardian - 2 hours ago -
Biden heads for last meeting with Xi Jinping before Trump takes office
World - The Guardian - 3 hours ago -
As Trump pushes Ukraine to negotiate, Britain’s MPs say UK must ensure ‘just terms’
World - The Guardian - 3 hours ago -
UN warns of ‘economic carnage’ if G20 leaders cannot agree on climate finance for poor countries
World - The Guardian - 3 hours ago -
Kemi Badenoch’s first approval ratings as Tory leader worse than Sunak and Johnson
World - The Guardian - 1 hour ago
Latest in World
-
West Indies v England: fourth men’s T20 cricket international – live
World - The Guardian - 13 minutes ago -
Jannik Sinner v Casper Ruud: ATP Finals tennis semi-final – live
World - The Guardian - 31 minutes ago -
Police blockade on South African miners lifted
World - Yahoo News - 54 minutes ago -
UK cheeses miss out on international prize after getting stuck in customs
World - The Guardian - 1 hour ago -
Typhoon Man-yi Brings ‘Life-Threatening’ Storm to Philippines
World - The New York Times - 1 hour ago
