Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal Musk have long been known as entrepreneurial titans, revolutionizing industries from electric cars to sustainable food. But in 2025, the Musk brothers are making headlines for a different reason: their contrasting relationships with Donald Trump’s administration, which is captivating the American public and sparking debates about power, influence, and family dynamics in politics.
Since Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024, Elon Musk has emerged as a central figure in the political landscape, wielding unprecedented influence as a tech billionaire turned government insider.
Meanwhile, Kimbal Musk has taken a quieter path, distancing himself from the political spotlight. This divergence has left Americans wondering: How deep is the Musk family’s tie to Trump, and what does it mean for the future of U.S. governance? Let’s dive into this fascinating story.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s political journey has been a rollercoaster. Once a self-described moderate who voted for Democrats like Barack Obama, Musk’s shift to the right gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by his frustration with government regulations.
By 2024, he was all-in for Trump, pouring over $250 million into the campaign and leveraging his ownership of X to amplify MAGA messaging. His efforts paid off—Trump won, and Musk was rewarded with a starring role in the administration.
Today, as co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk is tasked with slashing federal spending by an ambitious $2 trillion. He’s been spotted at Trump’s side at Mar-a-Lago, advising on everything from cabinet picks to foreign policy, including a reported call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in November 2024. Critics have dubbed him “President Musk,” a nickname that reflects his outsized influence—and rankles Trump loyalists who insist the president calls the shots.
Musk’s companies, like SpaceX and Tesla, stand to gain from this alliance. With billions in government contracts already in hand, deregulation under Trump could supercharge his ventures, though some analysts warn Tesla might lose out if electric vehicle tax credits vanish.
Love him or hate him, Musk’s proximity to Trump has made him a lightning rod in 2025, with polls showing a stark partisan divide: 73% of Republicans view him favorably, while 85% of Democrats see him as a threat, according to a February 2025 Pew Research survey.
Kimbal Musk
While Elon dives headfirst into Washington’s power games, Kimbal Musk has kept his distance. The younger Musk brother, known for co-founding Zip2 with Elon and later building a food empire with The Kitchen Restaurant Group and urban farming initiatives, has stayed silent on Trump and politics in general. Unlike Elon’s bombastic X posts, Kimbal’s public persona remains focused on sustainability and community—values that don’t align neatly with Trump’s agenda.
This isn’t to say Kimbal lacks ambition. His ventures, like Big Green, aim to transform how America eats, promoting local farming in a way that echoes progressive ideals. Yet, as Elon pushes for government cuts that could ax programs supporting sustainable agriculture, Kimbal’s silence raises questions. Is he avoiding a family rift, or simply betting that his work can thrive regardless of who’s in the White House?
Insiders suggest Kimbal’s apolitical stance is deliberate. “He’s not interested in the circus,” a source close to the Musk family told Forbes in January 2025. “Kimbal’s always been the grounded one—he lets Elon play the rockstar.” Still, his absence from the Trump conversation hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially as Elon’s star rises.
Why Americans Can’t Look Away
The Musk brothers’ story resonates with Americans because it’s a tale of family, power, and the American Dream—twisted through a 2025 political lens. Elon’s Trump connection taps into the nation’s fascination with billionaires shaping policy, a trend that’s only grown since Trump stocked his cabinet with wealthy allies. A CBS News/YouGov poll from February 2025 found 53% of Americans approve of Trump’s early moves, but only 23% think Musk should have “a lot” of influence—a sign of unease about unelected power.
Kimbal’s reticence, meanwhile, offers a counterpoint that intrigues those wary of Elon’s dominance. Social media buzzes with speculation: Is Kimbal the “good Musk,” quietly resisting Trump’s chaos, or just biding his time? On X, posts like “Kimbal’s the Musk we need, not the one we’ve got” rack up likes, hinting at a public hunger for a less polarizing figure.
Musk-Trump Saga?
As 2025 unfolds, Elon’s role in Trump’s administration will likely deepen. His DOGE team is already shaking up agencies like USAID and the Office of Personnel Management, promising a leaner government—or, critics say, a corporate takeover. Trump has downplayed tensions, insisting at a December 2024 Turning Point USA event, “Elon’s not president—that’s me.” But with Musk’s wealth and X’s reach, the balance of power remains a hot topic.
Kimbal, for now, seems content to let Elon steal the show. Yet, if Trump’s policies clash with Kimbal’s food revolution—or if Elon’s controversies spill over—don’t be surprised if the quieter Musk steps into the fray. After all, the Musk brothers have a history of defying expectations, from South Africa to Silicon Valley to Washington, D.C.
For Americans, this family drama isn’t just gossip—it’s a window into who holds sway in a polarized nation. Whether you’re cheering Elon’s boldness or rooting for Kimbal’s restraint, one thing’s clear: The Musk brothers’ Trump connection is a story we’ll be talking about all year.