Elon Musk arrives before the inauguration of Donald Trump at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025
Elon Musk’s vast and enigmatic influence continues to expand as he sets his sights on dismantling yet another pillar of the federal government.
As the head of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, Musk is now targeting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an independent agency designed to protect Americans from the reckless financial practices that triggered the Great Recession.
Employees of the CFPB were blindsided on Sunday afternoon with news that their Washington, DC, headquarters would be closed for the week, forcing them to work remotely. The announcement came just a day after Trump’s budget chief, Russell Vought, took over as acting director and instructed staff to cease their efforts to combat financial misconduct.
“CFPB RIP,” Musk declared on X on Friday.
The bureau’s demise follows a similar trajectory to that of the U.S. Agency for International Development, an organization that has saved countless lives and promoted democracy for decades—until Musk systematically dismantled it. On Sunday, Trump dismissed USAID as “crazy” and “a big scam.”
Trump’s unchecked executive power is raising alarms as he systematically guts government agencies, terminates employees, and halts congressionally approved funding, prompting accusations that he is defying the Constitution and overstepping presidential authority.
Yet, it is Musk’s role that remains unprecedented. The world’s richest man is wielding unchecked influence, firing government workers, eroding U.S. global influence, and gaining access to sensitive data on millions of Americans—all without oversight or accountability.
Courts have intervened to temporarily halt some of Trump and Musk’s most aggressive moves, but the stage is set for a historic battle over presidential power. The Supreme Court, with its conservative majority, may play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Speculation abounds about a potential rift between Musk and Trump, given their dominant personalities. However, Trump remains unwavering in his support of the tech mogul, who has become the architect of his administration’s disruptive agenda. Even a Time Magazine cover depicting Musk behind the Oval Office desk failed to faze the president.
“I’ve had great help from Elon Musk—he’s been terrific,” Trump said in a Fox Super Bowl interview on Sunday. When asked if he trusted Musk, Trump replied, “Trust Elon? Oh, he’s not gaining anything. In fact, I wonder how he even finds the time. He’s so into it.”
Their partnership may be more enduring than many expect.
Trump and Musk share a disdain for regulations and constraints, both in business and politics. Musk’s recent advocacy for far-right parties in Europe echoes Trump’s rejection of democratic norms. With midterm elections approaching in 2026, Republicans have every reason to stay in Musk’s good graces, given his financial backing of Trump and GOP candidates.
Washington may be in turmoil, but Trump’s aggressive start is resonating with voters.
A CBS News poll released Sunday showed that 53% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the presidency—an uptick from his first term. Seventy percent believe he is following through on campaign promises. His agenda, including a hardline immigration crackdown, bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports, and a purge of federal bureaucrats, is energizing his base and attracting swing voters.
However, Trump faces economic headwinds. Two-thirds of Americans believe his administration isn’t doing enough to lower prices, a major election issue. Only 28% think his policies will curb inflation. His tariff strategy, including a 25% duty on steel and aluminum imports, could drive up consumer costs.
Dismantling government agencies may appeal to Trump’s base, but it carries risks. If his cuts start impacting services that Americans rely on, backlash could follow.
Presidents often overreach early in their terms, and Trump’s aggressive moves could alienate moderate voters. Yet, Democrats are struggling to counter his narrative. Attempts to provoke Trump by labeling Musk as the real power in Washington have largely backfired, as defending the federal government remains unpopular among many voters.
Republican Leaders Bow to Musk’s Authority
Trump’s unwavering endorsement of Musk explains why top officials and GOP leaders have rallied behind him, despite his growing influence overshadowing their own.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Family Us that she supported Trump and Musk’s proposal to eliminate FEMA, despite its legally mandated role. “I would say, yes, get rid of FEMA the way it exists today,” Noem said on CNN’s “State of the Union,” advocating for disaster relief funds to go directly to state and local governments.
This is a risky political move. Trump previously suggested scrapping FEMA while touring North Carolina flood damage. Historically, presidents have suffered politically when natural disasters were mismanaged.
Noem also dismissed concerns about Musk’s deep involvement in the DHS, arguing the department needed downsizing. When asked whether she was comfortable with Musk—a private citizen—having access to confidential disaster victim data, she replied, “Absolutely … We can’t trust our government anymore.”
“But you are the government now,” .
National security adviser Mike Waltz defended Musk’s role in shuttering USAID programs, despite warnings that doing so could allow adversaries like Russia and China to expand their influence in the developing world. Waltz insisted USAID’s mission was only valid when it aligned with “the president’s objectives as commander-in-chief.”
Meanwhile, House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan dismissed critics, saying, “No one wants to defend waste, fraud, and abuse, so they attack the guy who’s exposing it.”
Yet, even the most powerful presidents cannot override laws passed by Congress. Trump’s unprecedented alliance with Musk is fueling a constitutional crisis that will test the limits of executive power. While Trump and Musk press forward with their vision of a radically transformed federal government, a historic legal battle looms on the horizon.
