The Billionaire Showman Takes the Stage
Elon Musk is many things—tech mogul, provocateur, and, as it turns out, a man who enjoys theatrics. His latest appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was proof of that. With a chainsaw in hand and an all-black “goth MAGA” ensemble, Musk made sure the spotlight was firmly on him.
The scene was absurd, even by CPAC standards. Argentine President Javier Milei, another self-styled disrupter, handed Musk a chainsaw—because why not? The crowd roared. Musk raised the tool above his head like a victorious gladiator. “This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy!” he declared.
And just like that, another meme was born.
The Real Agenda: DOGE and the Power Play
Behind the theatrics was a deeper message: Musk’s endorsement of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a project that seeks to dismantle federal agencies under the banner of “efficiency.” Sound familiar? It should. Milei, Musk’s ideological counterpart, has been doing the same in Argentina—gutting institutions and slashing public sector jobs.
The message was clear: Musk isn’t just a businessman anymore. He’s an ideological force. And in today’s GOP, where performative destruction is as valuable as actual governance, that makes him a kingmaker.
The ‘DOGE Dividend’: A New Populist Gimmick?
During the event, Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt floated an idea: what if the money saved from DOGE’s government cuts was given directly to Americans?
Musk loved it. “That’s awesome. That’s glorious,” he said. It was a classic Musk move—throwing out a big, populist idea without details on execution.
The concept, dubbed the “DOGE Dividend,” originated from an Arizona businessman on Musk’s social media platform, X. Trump’s team has reportedly taken an interest. The proposal is simple: cut government spending and redirect the funds to taxpayers.
But here’s the catch: dismantling federal agencies doesn’t just erase budgets. It also removes services—ones that many Americans actually rely on. Musk, of course, didn’t dwell on that.
The IRS Purge: Coincidence or a Warning?
Later in the conversation, Musk smirked when asked about reports that the IRS might be shut down. Hours before CPAC, 6,700 IRS employees had been fired.
It was a significant moment. The IRS is one of the few agencies capable of holding the ultra-wealthy accountable. Cutting it down benefits people like Musk the most. He didn’t need to say it—his silence spoke volumes.
The ‘Wanted Man’ and His Security Concerns
At one point, Schmitt joked that Musk was a “wanted man.” Musk’s response? “I don’t actually have a death wish… but it’s not that easy.”
He admitted his security detail wasn’t as large as it should be. That’s a surprising admission for a man who has enemies in high places—governments, intelligence agencies, and business rivals alike.
Musk has become a central figure in right-wing politics, a transformation that has put a target on his back. Whether he relishes or regrets this new role is anyone’s guess.
Ukraine, War, and Musk’s Grandstanding
Inevitably, the discussion turned to Russia and Ukraine. Musk, who has faced scrutiny over his role in the conflict (especially with his satellite company, Starlink), framed the war as a senseless meat grinder. “What exactly are they dying for?” he asked.
It’s a fair question—but one Musk conveniently asks only when it fits his narrative. Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty? Left unmentioned. Russia’s role in the bloodshed? Glossed over. Instead, he implied that corrupt politicians and defense contractors were dragging out the war for profit.
Does he have a point? Sure. But it’s also a simplistic take, one that ignores Ukraine’s agency in this fight.
Musk’s ‘American Morality’ and the Power Fantasy
Toward the end of the interview, Musk reflected on his values. “I grew up in South Africa,” he said, “but my morality was informed by America.” He described a childhood of reading comic books, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and watching American TV.
It was an interesting remark—part nostalgia, part political signaling. Musk has positioned himself as the defender of a bygone America, one where individualism reigned supreme. It’s a powerful narrative, even if reality is more complicated.
For some, Musk represents the future—entrepreneurial, unfiltered, and unbothered by bureaucracy. For others, he’s a billionaire playing political kingmaker, using populist rhetoric to further his own ambitions.
The truth? Probably somewhere in between. But one thing is certain: Musk isn’t just selling cars and rockets anymore. He’s selling an idea. And if CPAC is any indication, people are buying.
