The Rise of Elon Musk’s Power and the Erosion of Government Institutions

Musk’s Growing Influence and the Dismantling of Government Agencies

Elon Musk’s influence over the federal government has reached unprecedented levels, raising significant concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of an unelected individual. As the head of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has become a key figure in the administration’s efforts to dismantle independent government agencies. One of the latest targets is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an agency established to protect Americans from Wall Street abuses that led to the Great Recession. Employees of the CFPB were abruptly told to work remotely after Russell Vought, Trump’s budget chief, took over as acting director and instructed staff to cease efforts to combat financial abuse. Musk’s involvement in this process has been overt, with the billionaire tweeting "CFPB RIP" on X, signaling the agency’s demise.

The CFPB is not the only agency under threat. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has played a critical role in saving millions of lives and promoting democracy worldwide, has also been dismantled under Musk’s influence. Trump has publicly criticized USAID, calling it "crazy" and "a big scam," while Musk’s actions have effectively gutted the agency. This pattern of targeting independent agencies raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the constitutional balance of powers.

The Constitution in Jeopardy: Trump and Musk’s Executive Overreach

President Trump’s use of executive power to throttle government agencies, dismiss staff, and halt Congress-approved spending has sparked alarms about his defiance of the Constitution. While presidents have historically pushed the boundaries of executive authority, Trump’s actions, supported by Musk, represent a significant escalation. Musk, as the richest man in the world, is firing or suspending government workers, accessing private data of millions of Americans, and destroying U.S. soft power globally—all without any accountability. This unprecedented situation has led to multiple court interventions to temporarily halt their plans, setting the stage for a historic showdown over the scope of presidential power.

The conservative majority on the Supreme Court, which has an expansive view of executive authority, will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this constitutional battle. However, the fact that an unelected individual like Musk is wielding such power raises fundamental questions about democratic governance and the erosion of checks and balances in the federal government.

The Unlikely Alliance: Trump and Musk’s Shared Vision

Despite predictions of a potential breakup due to their volatile personalities, Trump and Musk appear to be forming a durable alliance. Trump has publicly praised Musk, describing him as "terrific" and expressing confidence in his abilities. Musk, in turn, has aligned himself with Trump’s agenda, particularly in areas where they share a disdain for regulations and checks on their power. Both figures have demonstrated a willingness to disregard rules and challenge democratic norms, as evidenced by Musk’s support for far-right parties in Europe and Trump’s contempt for the 2020 election results.

Their partnership is not just about personal chemistry; it is also driven by mutual political interests. Musk’s significant financial contributions to Trump’s election campaign and the Republican Party create a strong incentive for Republicans to maintain a close relationship with him, especially as the 2026 midterm elections approach. This alliance has proven effective so far, with Trump’s approval ratings rising to 53%, according to a recent CBS News poll. However, this partnership also carries risks, particularly if their policies begin to negatively impact the services and benefits that Americans rely on from the federal government.

Public Opinion and the Political Landscape

Trump’s aggressive political strategy, characterized by frequent TV appearances, a flurry of executive orders, and high-profile events like his Super Bowl interview, seems to be resonating with his base. The CBS News poll found that 70% of respondents believe Trump is delivering on his campaign promises, which included a "commonsense" agenda focused on hardline immigration policies, banning transgender athletes from women’s sports, and targeting federal bureaucrats. These issues have struck a chord with both his loyal supporters and a broader segment of swing voters.

However, there are warning signs for Trump. Two-thirds of Americans believe the administration is not doing enough to lower prices, which remains a top priority for many voters. Additionally, only 28% of respondents think Trump’s policies will reduce costs, and his tariff policy—set to include 25% duties on steel and aluminum imports—risks reigniting inflation and hiking the cost of goods and services. While attacking the federal government is a popular stance for outsider politicians, Trump may face backlash if his dismantling of agencies begins to infringe on the services and benefits that Americans rely on.

Cabinet Secretaries and GOP Leaders Bow to Musk’s Authority

The depth of Musk’s influence was on full display as top Trump officials, Cabinet secretaries, and senior Republicans defended his actions on Sunday morning news shows. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, for example, endorsed Trump and Musk’s plan to effectively abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), despite its critical role in disaster response. Noem suggested that FEMA funds should be redirected to state and local authorities, a proposal that carries significant political risks, especially given FEMA’s track record of providing essential support during hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters.

Noem also expressed comfort with Musk accessing private data about disaster victims, justifying it as part of the administration’s efforts to identify savings. When challenged by CNN’s Dana Bash about the propriety of allowing a private citizen to access such sensitive information, Noem doubled down, stating, "We can’t trust our government anymore." This exchange underscores the extraordinary power Musk now wields within the administration, as well as the willingness of top officials to defer to him even when it raises ethical and legal concerns.

The Road Ahead: A Constitutional Showdown and the Future of Republican Governance

As Trump and Musk continue their assault on federal institutions, the stage is set for a historic constitutional showdown. While the Supreme Court’s conservative majority may be inclined to support an expansive view of executive authority, the fact that an unelected billionaire is playing such a central role in shaping federal policy presents a unique challenge to democratic norms. The dismantling of agencies like USAID and the CFPB has already begun to undermine U.S. soft power globally, creating opportunities for adversaries like Russia and China to fill the void.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders like House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan have rallied to Trump’s defense, framing his actions as a necessary response to "waste, fraud, and abuse" within the federal government. However, this strategy carries risks, particularly if the administration’s actions begin to harm the very voters who supported Trump in the last election. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Republicans will need to carefully balance their loyalty to Trump and Musk with the broader interests of their constituents.

In conclusion, the alliance between Trump and Musk represents a significant shift in the balance of power within the federal government, with far-reaching implications for constitutional governance and democratic accountability. While their partnership may prove effective in the short term, it also raises profound questions about the future of American democracy and the role of unelected power brokers in shaping public policy.