Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue to showcase their iconic partnership, most recently with a high-profile visit to the SpaceX launch site in South Texas, where Musk’s company conducted a test launch of its newest Starship rocket.
Although the test didn’t go exactly as planned this time, as the reusable booster did not return to the launch pad but splashed down into the Gulf of Mexico, the showcase was still considered another successful milestone for Space X’s progress.
Musk, who spent over $200 million to back Trump’s campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris, has gained significant influence within Trump’s orbit. As reported by The Dallas Express, Musk was recently named co-chair of Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
DOGE will serve as an advisory panel focused on streamlining federal bureaucracy as Musk continues to make headlines for his advocacy of reducing government red tape.
While the alliance between the two men has raised eyebrows, it also highlights Musk’s significant influence on the American political climate. At the launch site, Musk reiterated his support for Trump, who has repeatedly praised Musk’s achievements, including the successful landing of SpaceX’s rocket booster in previous tests.
At a recent rally, Trump said of Starship’s reusable rocket booster, “Those arms grab it like you grab your baby, just like you grab your little baby. And it hugged it and just put it down, and there it was,” per The Associated Press.
The Texas trip was just the latest chapter in the duo’s growing partnership.
Over the past two weeks, Musk has been a constant presence with Trump, attending meetings with House Republicans and even accompanying Trump to an Ultimate Fighting Championship match in New York.
The two have also been seen together regularly at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, where Musk has become a consistent fixture, per AP.
At a gala last week at Mar-a-Lago, Trump praised Musk’s intellect, calling him one of the smartest people he knows, and joked about Musk’s constant presence at his resort.
“He likes this place. I can’t get him out of here,” Trump said, adding, “And you know what, I like having him here.”