Tech billionaire Elon Musk made a dramatic prediction on Friday regarding the future of American politics: though this time it wasn't about him. Musk, a close friend of Donald Trump, already knew in his mind who would step in the shoes of the former president.
His choice? Vice President JD Vance.
Musk, one of Trump's main financial supporters in his 2024 campaign, had already alluded to the possibility. Only last week, he posted, "Best VP ever and hopefully our future president."
Reposting his position on his social media site, X, Musk announced: "Best VP ever and our future president."
Since assuming an unconventional and unprecedented advisory position in the Trump administration, Musk—the richest man in the world—has made it abundantly clear that his orders carry considerable weight, as if he were speaking directly for Trump.
Vance, 40, is the third-youngest vice president in American history and has one of the briefest political résumés, with only a single term as Ohio's senator before taking on the job.
A bestselling writer, Vance had previously been a vocal Trump critic, calling him a "moral disaster" and even drawing parallels with Adolf Hitler. His opinion, though, took a drastic turn once he ventured into politics. While running for the Senate in 2022, he won Trump's endorsement, a key factor in his win.
Musk and Trump's Growing Alliance
Ever since Trump came back to office last month, he has accorded Musk considerable sway over federal restructuring and cost-reduction efforts. Musk now chairs the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), whose mandate is cutting government expenditure and simplifying federal operations.
While technically classified as a "special government employee" and a "senior adviser to the president," Musk has been even more active in Trump's administration than Vice President Vance during these first few weeks.
Musk, who is not on the cabinet, made news early this week when he showed up at a Trump cabinet meeting. Speaking to the leaders of agencies, he offered a blunt and unvarnished message. At one point, Trump scanned the room and asked, "Is anybody unhappy with Elon?" The answer? "Nervous laughter rippled around the table.
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