Yale historian Timothy Snyder has raised concerns about the growing influence of Elon Musk over President-elect Donald Trump, calling it a serious issue for his friends and allies.
In an interview with Martin Pengelly of The Guardian published on New Year’s Day, Snyder pointed out that Musk’s massive wealth far surpasses Trump’s, giving him the power to not only carry out Trump’s “dirty work” but also to wield even more influence over him through his wealth.
“Trump is a little guy, and Musk is a big guy when it actually comes to having money,” Snyder remarked, emphasizing the vast disparity between the two men’s financial power.
Snyder further explained that Musk’s already significant financial backing of Trump’s re-election campaign could lead to a continued dependence on the billionaire’s wealth. “I think we overestimate Trump and we underestimate Musk,” he said.
“People can’t help but think that Trump has money, but he doesn’t. He’s never really had money. He’s never even really claimed to have money. His whole notion is that you have to believe that he has money. But he’s never been able to pay his own debts. He’s never been able to finance his own campaigns.”
According to Snyder, unless Trump ends his reliance on Musk’s financial support immediately, he risks entering a long-term dependent relationship. “Unless Trump breaks it off right now, he’s going to be in this kind of dependent relationship for the rest of the way, because you get used to people giving you money,” he warned. “And I think if you were a friend of Trump, you would be worried.”
This commentary from Snyder comes at a time when Musk’s influence continues to grow, leaving some to wonder whether Trump will be able to assert his independence or remain under the thumb of one of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful men.