Elon Musk Leverages His "First Friend" Status with Trump to Secure Billions in New Deals

Elon Musk’s relationship with former President Donald Trump has often been described as a symbiotic one, and in recent years, this dynamic has helped fuel his business empire. As the world’s wealthiest individual and a titan of innovation, Musk’s business ventures – Tesla, SpaceX, and others – have become increasingly intertwined with his political ties to the former president.

In particular, Musk’s close association with Trump, often referred to as his "first friend," has opened doors to lucrative opportunities and advantageous deals, both at home and abroad. One of the most prominent examples of this is Musk’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he attended an investment forum alongside some of the world’s top business leaders, including CEO of Nvidia Jensen Huang and CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman.

Musk, however, stood out at the event due to his unique position as an intimate advisor to President Trump, with a special speaking slot before both Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During his conversation with the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha, Musk announced a series of new agreements, with Tesla’s Starlink satellite internet service now cleared to provide maritime and aviation services in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to Starlink, Musk’s Boring Company and AI startup xAI are also exploring business opportunities in the country. Tesla, which only officially entered Saudi Arabia in April, is already seeing rapid expansion in the region, with possibilities for the company’s robotaxi fleet to be deployed in the future. These new ventures reflect Musk’s growing influence, bolstered by his connection to the Trump administration.

The Real Impact of Musk’s Connection to Trump

The close relationship between Musk and Trump is more than just a matter of political friendship. It has had a profound impact on Musk’s business operations, particularly when it comes to his companies' access to new markets and government contracts. Musk, even without holding an official role in Trump’s administration, has consistently benefited from the policies and decisions made during Trump’s time in office.

For instance, SpaceX has secured a significant number of lucrative government contracts, even before Trump’s re-election. As a result, Musk’s companies have gained increasing access to government-backed projects, with Musk’s influence making it easier to navigate both U.S. and international political landscapes.

This includes deals with nations like Lesotho in Africa, where Starlink signed a contract with the government as part of its efforts to strengthen ties with the U.S. administration. In the early days of Trump’s administration, when Tesla was targeted by protests and sabotage, the government swiftly moved to protect Musk’s company.

A press conference at the White House nearly turned into a promotional event for Tesla, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi warning that anyone caught sabotaging Tesla vehicles would face severe penalties. The rapid response from the Trump administration demonstrated the power of Musk’s position in the U.S. political system.

Additionally, investigations into SpaceX were quietly dismissed after Trump took office. One example of this is the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into SpaceX’s hiring practices, which was abruptly dropped under Trump’s leadership. Musk’s businesses have also benefited from Trump’s push to increase federal spending on infrastructure, with Musk’s Boring Company being considered for large-scale transportation projects like the Amtrak rail project.

From Twitter to X: Musk’s Increasing Influence

Musk’s influence with Trump extends beyond government contracts and foreign dealings. In 2022, Musk acquired Twitter, rebranding it as X, and quickly turned it into the primary platform for his public discourse, including political and business statements. While Twitter (X) has seen a dramatic drop in advertising revenue due to concerns over hate speech, it remains a central communication hub due to the extensive presence of government officials and agencies.

Some U.S. agencies even use X as their primary means of communication, highlighting how the platform has become integral to the Trump administration’s broader media strategy. The partnership between Musk and Trump has brought significant political advantages.

Musk’s ability to leverage his ties with the former president has granted him opportunities in both the U.S. and abroad. He has used his platform to champion his business interests, often employing political messaging to influence public opinion, make deals, and secure business opportunities for his various companies.

Looking Ahead: How Musk’s Political Ties Could Shape His Future

As Musk continues to lead his various companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, the influence of his relationship with Trump is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Despite no longer holding an official position in the Trump administration, Musk remains an influential figure within the U.S. political landscape. His public endorsements and connections to the former president have solidified his position as a major player in global business and technology.

In addition to business opportunities, Musk’s relationship with Trump also presents unique advantages in the realm of geopolitics. As the world enters an era of global competition in technology and innovation, Musk’s political ties offer him an unprecedented advantage.

By aligning himself with Trump, Musk has positioned himself at the intersection of global trade, government policy, and cutting-edge technology. The future implications of Musk’s relationship with Trump are still to be fully realized, but there is no doubt that this connection will continue to shape Musk’s ventures.

Whether it is through government contracts, political influence, or global business opportunities, Musk’s bond with Trump has already paid dividends, and it’s clear that the two will continue to work together in shaping the world of tomorrow.

However, the long-term impact of Musk’s relationship with Trump could spark questions about the fairness and competitiveness of the tech industry. As Musk’s companies gain preferential treatment and access to key government contracts, concerns about market competition and government bias may grow. For now, Musk remains firmly entrenched in the global spotlight, with his political ties providing him an edge that few in the business world can match.