In a virtual address to a private gathering of former federal appointees in Texas last month, Elon Musk outlined what he called the “Big 12-year period” – from Donald Trump's ongoing second term to Vice President J.D. Vance's projected two terms – during a reunion of his former federal cost-cutting team.
Details of Musk's speech at the event were first reported Politician. Reunion behind closed doors took occurred on November 22 at a building owned by Musk near his Boring Company and SpaceX divisions in Bastrop, Texas. The meeting was attended by approximately 150 current and former employees of the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE), as well as their family members. Musk appeared virtually rather than in person, explaining that he decided not to travel due to concerns for his safety.
Speaking from what was described as a dark, undisclosed location, he told the audience he considered himself one of the top three assassination targets in the country, behind only Trump and Vance. The statement echoed concerns Musk has expressed previously, including during a call with Tesla shareholders where he half-jokingly said becoming more physically fit could reduce the risk of being killed.
Despite previous tension With Trump – including Musk's support for impeachment and his attacks on the administration's “One Big Beautiful Bill” – recent events suggest a restoration of relations. Musk and Trump shook hands at a September event honoring late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, in what was widely seen as a public reconciliation after months of feuding.
Politician The report says Musk has “taken a step back from politics” and notes that he has developed a “strong personal relationship” with the vice president.
Musk's point of view coincides with recent comments from Trump himself. During Tuesday's White House Cabinet meeting, Trump noticed that two members of his administration could shape the Republican presidential nomination for 2028, he glanced at Vice President J.D. Vance and noted, “There may be a couple of people sitting around that table.” He added that he wants their work to “continue.” The comments follow his remarks on October 27. statement to reporters during a flight from Malaysia to Japan in which he considered Vance-Rubio “unstoppable.”
Musk's renewed involvement in Republican politics comes after attempting to chart his own course earlier this year. His short-lived attempt to create a third political party, the Party of America, drew criticism from Trump, who fired it's like “ridiculous” and warned it will only sow “ruin and chaos.” Former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed indifference at the time, telling Breitbart News that he would only be concerned if Musk attempted to split the vote in the general election.
Towards the end of the summer, signs of tension began to ease. In July, Vice President J.D. Vance recognized he suspected Elon Musk was “very keen” to rejoin President Trump's team, but noted that Musk would ultimately lose out if he decided not to. Around the same time, Musk posted an apology on X for “some” of his recent remarks toward the president and reportedly called Trump personally to express his regret.
