The Trump-Musk Presidency

by Will Espero

What’s going on in Washington DC?

There’s plenty that Donald Trump is doing, and he’s gotten everybody’s attention.

Trump campaigned on many issues, and now it’s time to see what he can get done. He only has four years, and that time will go by fast. For some, it is not fast enough.

After the midterm elections in 2026, Trump will have two years left in his current term. By then, he will be a lame-duck president, and the race to succeed him in the Republican party will get heated as several high-level appointees of Trump may be potential candidates for president.

Regarding Trump’s current bout with hubris and confidence, this is what happens when the United States Supreme Court gives the president absolute immunity for certain actions while the president is in office.

This is what happened on that dismal day on July 24, 2024, when the U.S. Supreme Court basically said presidents are now above the law. Let that sink in.

What a terrible decision by the John G. Roberts, Jr. court. The decision has completely changed the power dynamics of the executive branch and the U.S. government for the worse. Shame on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Congress can act and speak up, but from recent actions and experiences, the Republican-controlled Congress appears afraid of Trump and is willing to let him do things as he wishes.

Republican leaders don’t want to get on Trump’s bad side so they have been very silent on Trump’s questionable and controversial antics, comments, and positions – such a sad state of affairs.

So, the best way to stop Trump or keep him in check for now is to use our judicial system. This is the same system where Trump appointed many of the judges.

Many lawsuits have been filed already, and expect more to come as the circus in Washington DC continues.

The problem with the president’s efforts is he has the wrong person in charge. Elon Musk should not have such a big role in Trump’s government.

There are many conflict of interest issues with Musk starting with his receipt of $200 billion from the U.S. government over the last 10 years for his SpaceX company.

Musk has also received millions of dollars in tax credits for Tesla, his electric car company.

It’s not unusual for Musk to have his hands out for our tax dollars to help his private companies, so he has no business looking at government costs to cut expenses and possibly receive more money from the U.S. government.

It’s insane that he and his underlings are getting access to sensitive government records and are involved in the termination of thousands of federal government workers.

There is little oversight of Musk, and everyone should be concerned.

Trump needs to find ways to offset the tax breaks for the rich, and Musk is the point man for cutting government expenses. He doesn’t belong in the position and must be removed.

As the richest man in the world, Musk has relationships with many world leaders, countries, business people, entrepreneurs, and other important people.

He has the resources and riches to do what he wants when he wants.

Who can replace Musk? The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an agency that should be involved with DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and not Musk.

The GAO has been in service for our nation for 104 years, and these individuals are capable and qualified to do things properly.

It has been reported that Musk’s net worth has increased by over $60 billion since Trump has been in office, and we are witnessing firsthand in real-time how big money influences politics and government decisions.

Musk provided Trump with more than $250 million to get elected. His risk paid dividends, and he has carefully used his money to scam his way into the Oval Office and get his greedy hands upon the U.S. Treasury.

Many Trump loyalists say it’s okay because Trump and Musk are friends, and Musk is supportive of Trump. For others, the quid pro quo is nauseating.

The fact is Musk is loyal to his bottom line and those who help him make millions of dollars in profits. His latest best buddy is Trump, and many feel Musk is playing Trump for his own interests. From Trump’s perspective, it doesn’t hurt to have the richest man in the world as a BFF.

Musk is even seen as someone with more power and influence than the vice president, and in some quarters, Musk is seen as the de facto president. Yikes! What a terrible thought!

No one knows how long this honeymoon between Musk and Trump will last, but hopefully, it doesn’t last too long as the United States is not for sale to the highest bidder.

Musk knows an opportunity when he sees it, and he’s taking full advantage of it.

The president is playing along because I suspect and predict that in four years after Trump is out of office, these two individuals will be working on their private interests to benefit their fortunes.

Knowing Trump, this relationship will continue, and the loud voices of opposition and resistance will only grow louder and stronger.

WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and state Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues.