The British The Guardian published an article about the relationship, cooperation, and future relationship between US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.

The article describes the money Musk transferred to Trump's election campaign.

Musk transferred $288 million to Donald Trump's election team and immediately attracted the attention of Time magazine. The magazine published a column dedicated to Musk, in which it presented the billionaire with a cup of coffee in his hand, sitting at the Resolute table. Notably, such a picture is symbolic and has been used by all US presidents, starting with Jimmy Carter.

Critics say the rapprochement of the world's most powerful man and the world's richest man poses a double problem for democracy.

Can these partnerships last?

Recent events are full of examples of Trump's henchmen threatening to take his attention and pay for it. Skeptics predicted the collapse of the Trump-Musk axis almost from the start, assuming that two giant egos would inevitably clash.

However, others believe that a mutually beneficial relationship could be closer. Former Republican Party spokesman and Trump critic Joe Walsh said, "They are now the two most powerful people on the planet. And they need each other desperately. They are like two monsters, getting stronger every day."

At first glance, Trump and Musk have little in common.

Trump is a 78-year-old New York-based real estate developer and reality TV star who entered politics late, spent hours on the golf course, and has a cultural bent.

Musk, 53, has publicly stated that he has Asperger's syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum.

In 2016, Musk criticized Trump, calling him a "bullshit artist," and in 2023, he became Trump's top supporter, donating large amounts of money, speaking at campaigns, and supporting Trump's ideas. Musk headed the "Ministry of Government Efficiency." Musk is not an official employee, but he has the status of a "professional government employee." This does not bother Trump because, according to him, "Musk cannot do anything without their approval." A White House source told The Guardian that the president hired Musk to do a "crazy job," he is doing it.

He has also found common ground with Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, making it clear that he is focused on rooting out the so-called "awakening" agenda.

He shares Trump's views on race.

However, the honeymoon period doesn't last forever. Musk's popularity rating is rapidly declining, even among Republicans. According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll, only 43% of Republicans want Musk to have "some" influence, while 17% say otherwise.

Congressional Democrats have made Musk their primary target, accusing him of usurping power.

All of this could make Musk a helpful distraction for Trump. Still, it could eventually turn him into a political liability, raising questions about who the real boss and the puppet are. Opponents like Steve Bannon, a vocal critic of Musk and other tech oligarchs, and Republicans in Congress will ramp up pressure in the run-up to next year's midterm elections.

"They're going to have to come to blows eventually," said Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Project. "When Trump sees Elon doing him political damage, he'll cut ties instantly."

Still, Musk is unlike anyone Trump has ever met. He's worth an estimated $426 billion, many times more than Trump. Through X, he has a lot of influence and power. Removing Musk could be more complicated than eliminating previous commanders.