State capture, US-style? What is Elon Musk's influence on Donald Trump?
What will the overarching impact be of Elon Musk's growing political influence and power in the Trump administration? Bongani Bingwa interviews Francois Stofberg, an economist.
Elon Musk And Donald Trump's Press Conference In The Oval Office / X: @elonmusk
Financial wellbeing economist Francois Stofberg joins Bongani Bingwa.
Listen below:
There were extraordinary scenes at the White House this week as Telsa CEO Elon Musk was seen holding court in the Oval Office.
Joined by his young son (to the annoyance of the child's mother), Musk stood alongside US President Donald Trump to address gathered media.
Trump announced this week that he was signing an executive order giving the tech billionaire more powers.
Musk has been handed the reigns of the Department of Government Efficiency Service (DOGE).
But what should be made of Musk's clear political influence and growing power in the Trump administration?
"State capture is the tail wagging the dog."
- Francois Stofberg, Economist
"I think the main difference in this case is there is almost absolute transparency, which is completely different from what we have seen and known in the case of the Guptas."
- Francois Stofberg, Economist
"The jury is still out on whether Musk is the superhero or the supervillain."
- Francois Stofberg, Economist
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