Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in November 2024.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk appears to be cementing his position as a key player in President-elect Donald Trump’s circle of power. The Tesla, SpaceX, and X owner recently joked that he’s “happy to be first buddy” to Trump, following speculation about his growing role in Trump’s post-election activities.

During a televised discussion, a panelist quipped, “Musk is becoming like first buddy; he’s hanging around, foreign leaders call, Trump puts him on the phone with them.” Musk later reacted with a blend of humor and affirmation, signaling his increasingly close connection to the president-elect.

Musk’s prominence in Trump’s transition process has not gone unnoticed. The Washington Post described the tech mogul as operating somewhere between an “unofficial co-president” and Trump’s trusted confidant. Since the election results were announced, Musk has been seen attending meetings, joining calls, and even reviewing potential cabinet picks.

Reports suggest Musk has already been tasked with heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), working alongside Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy.

Musk’s involvement in international and domestic affairs has been noteworthy. According to reports, he was with Trump at Mar-a-Lago when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called to congratulate Trump on his election victory. Musk was also reportedly involved in calls with leaders from Turkey and Ukraine, where his Starlink service has played a pivotal role in maintaining communication during the ongoing conflict.

His influence extends beyond diplomacy. Musk has reportedly advised Trump on strategies to challenge political figures like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.